GRS-PH alliance built on stability, not corruption fears - Norazlinah
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Kunak assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif has dismissed as baseless and malicious the claim by Kota Belud member of parliament Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) allied with Pakatan Harapan (PH) because it was 'forced to' due to corruption scandals.
She described the allegation that GRS continued its collaboration with PH merely to shield leaders involved in court cases as a desperate attempt by the opposition to gain political mileage by sowing distrust among the people.
'I strongly refute Munirah's statement linking the GRS-PH cooperation to alleged corruption cases. Such accusations are not only irresponsible but also an insult to the political maturity of the GRS leadership, especially Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor,' she said in a statement today.
Norazlinah stressed that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH was not formed under duress, but built on solidarity, mutual trust, and the need to ensure continued political stability in Sabah.
'We cannot deny PH's role in standing firmly behind the state government during the attempted power grab known as the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident. Without their support and trust at that time, the GRS government might have fallen,' she said. 'This is not about any 'cases' or being 'forced'. It is about acknowledging their contribution and protecting the state's stability.'
She described the GRS-PH collaboration as a manifestation of mature politics and gratitude — qualities she said were lacking in Parti Warisan, which had previously allied with PH during the 2020 state election but chose to contest alone in the 15th General Election (GE15).
'What happened in GE15 clearly shows that the people do not support opportunistic politics. Warisan only won three parliamentary seats, which is a clear signal that the people reject a party that fails to build alliances and focuses solely on its own agenda,' she added.
Addressing the two GRS assemblymen currently facing court cases related to mineral license applications, Norazlinah urged all parties not to politicise the issue.
'Court cases should not be used as tools for slander or to create false perceptions. Every accused person has the right to defend themselves, and we must respect the legal process. GRS has never obstructed or interfered with judicial matters,' she said.
She expressed confidence that the GRS-PH cooperation would continue to benefit the people of Sabah and play a vital role in the upcoming state election, adding that GRS would remain the leading force in championing the 'Sabah First' agenda.
'We are confident that GRS will continue to lead the state government. We do not just want to win — we want to ensure the ongoing fight to uphold Sabah's rights within the Federation continues through a stronger and more inclusive platform,' she said.
Norazlinah also criticised Isnaraissah's claim that the Federal Government is reluctant to work with Warisan because its president is 'too outspoken' in defending Sabah's rights, calling it mere political rhetoric.
'If being outspoken alone is the key to developing Sabah, why did the Warisan government collapse? What we need are leaders who not only speak up but deliver results, build strategic partnerships and ensure stability. That is exactly what Hajiji and the GRS leadership have done,' she said.
She urged the public not to be influenced by narrow political rhetoric but to judge a government by its ability to safeguard the people's welfare and secure Sabah's future.
'The GRS-PH cooperation is not about saving any individual, but about ensuring that Sabah does not return to instability. Now is the time to keep moving forward with a spirit of nationhood, not hatred,' she added.
Norazlinah also pointed out the irony in Warisan's criticism, as the party remains part of the federal Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
'If Warisan truly rejects working with PH, why are they still in the same government in Putrajaya? Or are they actually worried that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH in Sabah will become a political reality that threatens their position ahead of the next state election?' she asked.
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