Perikatan's rejection makes things easier, says GRS' Armizan

The Star

18 hours ago

PENAMPANG: Perikatan Nasional's rejection of cooperation makes Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) direction clear ahead of the coming state election, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali
The deputy secretary-general said Perikatan's decision, led by chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, makes it easier for GRS to move forward without political ambiguity.
'In my personal view, we should thank Tan Sri Muhyiddin for making things easier for us,' Armizan said in a statement on Sunday (July 13).
On July 11, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, speaking in Sandakan, described GRS's departure from Perikatan as a 'betrayal' — claiming that GRS had denied Perikatan its rightful seats and even though he was the one who had named the coalition and approved its registration.
'Working together again (with GRS) is very difficult, because it is a party that has denied us the government. Would you work with them if you were in my position?' the Perikatan chairman had told a reporter.
Armizan, who is also Papar MP said Muhyiddin's remarks spared GRS from having to issue its own statement of rejection, which could be misunderstood.
'Firstly, without us needing to explain, he has made it clear that there was never any proposal for cooperation between both parties.
'Secondly, it saves us from having to issue a rejection ourselves, which could have come across as arrogant. Let others speak — we welcome it.
'Thirdly, our path is now more straightforward. Without us asking, Barisan Nasional Sabah and now Perikatan have both publicly rejected GRS. What truly matters is the support of the people — not of any political bloc,' he said.
While stressing that he would not respond personally to Muhyiddin, Armizan said he was raised to respect political differences without resorting to personal attacks.
'In politics, I was taught to avoid making personal remarks — especially when it involves a former prime minister who is highly respected.'
He urged Sabahans instead to pay attention to the tone of national leaders who continue to imply that GRS leaders owe their positions to West Malaysian political figures.
'We've heard statements like 'we made Hajiji an elected representative' or 'we chose him to be Chief Minister'. That mindset is exactly what needs to change in Sabah politics.'
He said such statements reflect how major national coalitions continue to dominate decision-making — from candidate selection to leadership appointments — leaving Sabahans subordinate to West Malaysian party leadership.
'Those selected are expected to be loyal and obedient to the top leadership over there,' he said.
Armizan said local parties like GRS offer Sabah a more independent future.
'With local parties, candidates are selected and endorsed by Sabah leaders. The Chief Minister is someone chosen from among Sabah-based parties, by the people of Sabah themselves.'
'Moving forward, it's time we send a clear signal — the master is not there, the master is here – the people of Sabah,' he said.