GRS aims for 52 seats, 21 for national allies
Masiung, flanked by party leaders, leads the crowd in chanting 'Hidup GRS!', echoing the unwavering spirit of the coalition's supporters in Kuamut.
TONGOD (May 25): Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah known for his rallying slogan 'Tatap Kalaga', has proposed that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) contest at least 52 seats in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.
Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of over 700 supporters during a GRS roadshow at Kampung Mananam yesterday, Masiung said the proposal is in response to the strong grassroots sentiment in favour of local parties.
'Given the clear support shown by Sabahans for local leadership, I would propose that GRS contests 52 seats if agreed upon by the GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The remaining 21 seats can be allocated to national parties that are willing to cooperate with GRS,' he said.
Masiung, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice president, stressed that GRS has the potential to emerge as the dominant force in the next state government, especially with the opposition previously rejected by the people during their time in power.
He added that GRS would exercise greater caution in forging alliances, taking lessons from the failed attempt to topple the state government via the so-called 'Kinabalu Move' in January 2023.
Despite the attempt to topple Hajiji's government, GRS retained majority support with backing from Sabah Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
At present, Masiung noted the working relationship between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) remains stable and constructive, a partnership he believes should continue as Sabah heads toward the polls.
'If this cooperation between GRS and PH can be maintained, I am confident we have the strength and trust to once again form the Sabah State Government,' he said.
The GRS component parties are Gagasan Rakyat, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
Earlier, Masiung's arrival at the Mananam Polling District Centre (PDM) was celebrated with a heroic welcome by the local Sungai Mangkuling community. The atmosphere was festive, with more than 30 motorcycles parading the GRS flag in a show of grassroots support.
The tour was also attended by key leaders of GRS component parties in the Kuamut constituency.
In a symbolic gesture, Masiung raised the GRS flag to officially mark the event, standing alongside PBS Division head Masum Takin, PPM representative Tokyo Hasim Omar, and USNO's James Aik.
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