3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bung Mokhtar: Sabah BN unperturbed by GRS-PH alliance for state election
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is not perturbed by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming state election.
Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the party is instead focusing on strengthening its grassroots machinery and fielding candidates in constituencies where it has the best chance of winning.
"Umno Sabah is not too concerned with whom GRS wants to work. As of now, BN is only cooperating with PH.
"Our priority is to strengthen our machinery at the grassroots level, and we will field our candidates in constituencies where we are confident of winning," he told the New Straits Times.
Bung Mokhtar added that BN was prepared for any electoral battle.
The former state deputy chief minister said it does not matter whom the coalition would face or go up against.
"What matters is that we are ready to defend our existing seats, and on top of that, we aim to win back those we previously lost," he said.
His statement comes amid confirmation from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor that GRS will maintain its alliance with PH for the 17th Sabah state election, despite calls for the Sabah-based coalition to contest solo.
Hajiji said both coalitions have held seat negotiation talks, including discussions with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman.
GRS has 38 state seats, Parti Warisan 14, Umno 11 and PH 7. Umno's seats include Bengkoka, Usukan, Karambunai, Tanjung Keramat, Pantai Manis, Sungai Manila, Sungai Sibuga, Lamag, Sukau, Segama and Tanjung Batu.
