Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah dismisses election rift rumours

Daily Express

17-06-2025

Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025
By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Nizam expressed confidence that such a scenario is unlikely, given the strong commitment and cooperation among the component parties within GRS and its ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH). TAWAU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has dismissed speculation that component parties within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will inevitably clash during the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN). Nizam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, expressed confidence that such a scenario is unlikely, given the strong commitment and cooperation among the component parties within GRS and its ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Advertisement 'We've seen the state government under the GRS-PH administration deliver many positive results in terms of Sabah's progress and development, including protecting the welfare of the people,' he said during a visit to Kampung Kinabutan Bukit here on Sunday. 'I believe there will be no clashes among GRS component parties and no conflict with PH either,' he added. When asked about the potential of a clash between GRS and Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly Umno, in the upcoming election, Nizam said it would be up to BN to decide. The Apas assemblyman stressed that GRS's main focus is on strengthening the current unity government, which centres on cooperation, understanding, and mutual trust between GRS and PH. He revealed that this intention has already been informally communicated to the PH leadership in Sabah and to the Prime Minister, while also affirming that PGRS does not deny other parties the right to explore collaboration. 'Today's state government is formed through cooperation between GRS and PH, so naturally, our priority is to ensure the next government remains within that framework,' he said. Commenting further, Nizam said any party seeking to collaborate must understand that the priority for forming partnerships will lie with GRS and PH. As PGRS Zone 12 Coordinator (covering Tawau and Kalabakan divisions), Nizam also confirmed that the party has submitted the names of its potential candidates for the state election. 'We've requested all seven seats—Apas, Balung and Sri Tanjung under Tawau; and Merotai, Sebatik, Tanjung Batu, and Kukusan under Kalabakan. 'Ultimately, the decision lies with the PGRS leadership, but certainly, we aim to defend the three seats we currently hold—Apas, Balung, and Sebatik,' he said. On May 11, Prime Minister and PH Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when met in Tawau, expressed optimism that a collaboration between PH, BN, and GRS could be established to face the 17th state election. However, he clarified that he could only speak on behalf of PH and would leave further discussions on the tripartite collaboration to BN and GRS. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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