'Harapan-BN-GRS cooperation in Sabah polls needed for political stability'

Cooperation between Pakatan Harapan, BN, and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming Sabah election is necessary for the nation’s stability and state politics, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

However, the coalitions’ state chapters are still at the discussion stage on the cooperation, and the matter has not been finalised yet, he shared.

"The statement regarding the agreement between Sabah Harapan and Sabah BN previously was only at the level between the two parties and did not involve GRS.

"We (want) to cooperate with certainly Umno-BN and GRS, that is why I came (to Tawau) as well and held several discussions with Chief Minister Hajiji (Noor) to ensure there is an agreement between GRS, Harapan, and BN," the Harapan chairperson said after chairing the Sabah PKR state leadership council meeting in Tawau today.

Also present was council chairperson Mustapha Sakmud along with the top leadership of Sabah PKR.

Anwar said during the meeting at the Sabah Harapan and Sabah BN levels, he also informed attendees that he was going to Tawau to meet Hajiji and discuss a possible agreement between the three parties that is broader and open.

"So that's what I want to explain. Why is it necessary? Because for us, the priority is national and state political stability and secondly, the relationship between the state and the federal should be good," he added.

Harapan optimistic

Anwar expressed positivity that Harapan would be able to work with GRS in the next state election after holding discussions among the Harapan leadership.

"I can speak on behalf of Harapan and I am optimistic because I had discussions and I see this as very positive... as for GRS, let them decide,” he added.

Earlier, the media reported that BN and Harapan agreed to cooperate in the Sabah polls through a joint statement from the coalition government’s secretariat chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and the Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

In response, Hajiji, who is also GRS chairperson, stated that his coalition is ready to contest solo and focus on cooperation with other local parties that have similar views for the polls, should Harapan and BN’s final decision be to cooperate in the state election.

- Bernama

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