Salleh: GRS' polls partnership with PH reflects desire to maintain close ties with Anwar's administration
KOTA KINABALU (July 28): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision to partner with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming state election should be respected, said Umno Sabah treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
The former Sabah chief minister said in a Facebook post that GRS had made a conscious decision not to contest the election alone but instead align with national political forces, rejecting what he described as the 'Sarawak formula' of distancing from federal parties.
'GRS has ultimately rejected going solo and opted to align with national parties. Undoubtedly, they have their own reasons, and the people will be the judge,' he said.
Salleh noted that GRS' decision to cooperate with PH likely reflects a strategic desire to maintain close ties with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration.
'Let us give them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they want to work with the Prime Minister's party, which is PH, and to ensure strong ties with the federal government. This aligns with the need to ensure political stability and continued development for Sabah,' he said.
He stressed that Barisan Nasional (BN), of which Umno is a component, had been consistent in its position from the beginning.
'We in BN have been clear from the start: forming a coalition with PH is the best approach for political stability.
'Our decision was made early on, based on the fact that both PH and BN form the foundation of the Unity Government at the federal level. This cooperation is a logical and responsible continuation of that partnership,' he explained.
Salleh said how PH manages its relationship with both GRS and BN is not a concern for the coalition.
'What matters to us in BN is sincerity in partnership, and our focus remains on strengthening our party on the ground. We want to win and help our coalition partners,' he said.
He also emphasised BN's political approach, saying: 'We do not play a double game. Our approach is clear, honest, transparent, and always for the good of the people of Sabah.' GRS-PH lead Salleh Said Keruak
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