Will GRS U-turn and join Harapan-BN for state polls, Warisan rep asks

Summary

• Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Justin Wong questions if GRS will make a U-turn and work with Harapan-BN for the upcoming Sabah state election instead of going solo.

• Justin Wong says Sabahans are waiting for Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s move.

A Warisan leader questioned if Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) would heed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s suggestion for the coalition to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan and BN in the upcoming Sabah state election instead of going solo.

In a statement today, Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Justin Wong seemed to describe GRS chairperson and Chief Minister Hajiji Noor as being between a rock and a hard place.

“If Hajiji declines to work together with Harapan-BN for the state election, I can’t imagine the consequences that he and those who are involved in the alleged corruption scandal related to mineral exploration licences would face.

“However, if he decides to make a ‘U-turn’ and work with Harapan-BN, then he is a leader without principle. He is willing to sacrifice the interests and sovereignty of Sabah just to save himself and his cronies,” said Wong (above), adding that Sabahans are waiting for Hajiji’s move.

He also warned that GRS might head into trouble should Hajiji choose to cooperate with Harapan-BN, as parties within the coalition won’t have enough seats and candidates to contest.

‘GRS ready to go solo’

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 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.

“If Harapan and BN’s final decision is to cooperate in the upcoming state election, then GRS is prepared to contest solo and focus on cooperating with like-minded local parties.

“To deviate from this principle means we have forsaken the aspirations of a large portion of Sabahans,” he said in a statement on May 9.

However, Anwar yesterday said Sabah Harapan is still discussing political cooperation for the state election., and the matter has not been finalised.

He stressed that cooperation between Harapan, BN, and GRS in the upcoming Sabah election is necessary for the nation’s stability and state politics.

Previously, Hajiji also denied the corruption allegations against him and described them as part of a campaign to bring down his administration.

Sabah must hold its state election by December this year at the latest.

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

Sabah won't progress if politicians only sow discord - PM

Sabah polls: PAS to ditch 'moon', Tuan Ibrahim moots anti-Madani pact

LETTER | Sabahan voices must not be ignored

MOE moves to improve education access in Kg Serudung Laut

'Prove your courage, dissolve cabinet,' Sabah Umno leader tells GRS