Latest news with #SabahPH
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
GRS component parties agree to cooperate with Sabah PH in polls
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties have agreed for the Sabah-based coalition to work with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH). Its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, responded briefly with "Yes" when asked if coalition members had agreed to the cooperation. "We have discussed it," he said, reaffirming the collaboration with PH after closing the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual assembly at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. Earlier in his speech, Hajiji credited the current political stability to the support of Sabah PH leaders during the "Kinabalu Move" in 2023, when his administration was nearly toppled. Despite the cooperation with PH, Hajiji also called on voters to seize the opportunity to back the existing government, to ensure a locally based coalition continues to dominate Sabah's political landscape. Meanwhile, Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, speaking on behalf of Sabah PH, thanked Hajiji for upholding the spirit of cooperation. "As a PH leader, I welcome this cooperation. It is good news for the people of Sabah. "We need to sit down and discuss the next steps, especially on seat allocations. Hopefully, it can be ironed out soon," he said, adding that PH is eyeing between 23 and 25 seats. Of the 73 state seats, GRS currently holds 38, while PH holds seven.
![[UPDATED] GRS wants to continue PH ties, but insists on leading role for Sabah polls](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fhajijikekalph_1753588361.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] GRS wants to continue PH ties, but insists on leading role for Sabah polls
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) wants to maintain its cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), but insists that the Sabah-based coalition must lead the alliance to face the upcoming Sabah election. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the continuity in the cooperation is in line with the strong support from Sabah PH when GRS was facing an attempt to topple the state government, known as the Kinabalu Move, in January 2023. "Since then, the strong GRS-PH cooperation, which has clearly brought stability and progress to the state, will continue to be maintained as a genuine partnership, one that is believed to bring many benefits and positive outcomes to the people in Sabah. "Thank you to the Sabah PH leaders from all of us in GRS," the GRS chairman said in his closing speech for the Parti Gagasan Rakyat (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general assembly at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. Present were GRS' party component presidents, including Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), LDP's Datuk Chin Su Phin, United Sabah National Organisation's (USNO) Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, and PCS's Tan Sri Anifah Aman. Sabah PH leaders were Datuk Ewon Benedick (Sabah PH chief and Upko president), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (Parti Keadilan Rakyat's chairman), Datuk Phoong Jin Tze (Democratic Action Party's chairman), and Lahirul Latigu (Sabah Amanah chairman). Former chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan also attended the event. Hajiji, who is also Gagasan Rakyat president, also stressed the importance of GRS as a strong coalition of local parties in fulfilling the aspirations of Sabahans who want to see local parties dominate state politics. "When I attended the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS)-Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) event, I felt a burning spirit among party members. Both parties have their strengths and contribute greatly to GRS. "It is no exaggeration to say that PBS and STAR are the backbone of GRS. They are comrades-in-arms, always standing by our side, offering support and wise counsel in their roles as GRS members. "SAPP, USNO, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Party Cinta Sabah (PCS), all these parties play a role in uniting and strengthening us. "Let us continue to strengthen our unity so that local parties may stand as one. Truly, the strength within GRS is the key to winning big in the upcoming election," he said.
Malay Mail
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sabah polls coming, but timing of assembly dissolution is my call, says CM
PUTATAN, June 18 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has confirmed that the state election will be held soon, though the exact timing of the state assembly's dissolution remains at his sole discretion. When asked about speculation that the Sabah State Legislative Assembly may be dissolved as early as next month, Hajiji declined to confirm the rumours. 'That's for me to think about. Others don't need to think too much,' he told reporters on Monday. 'As a chief minister, I will decide soon. But what is clear is that we will hold an election soon. Whether it is early or late, it must be held. So wait, we will leave it to the people to decide who they want as the government,' he said after meeting victims of the fire at Kampung Petagas. Hajiji however did confirm that preliminary discussions have been held with current partners Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) regarding cooperation in the upcoming election. He said further talks are expected before the formal dissolution of the state assembly. 'There has been an initial discussion with PH, and we will complete it soon — before the dissolution,' he said. Hajiji has previously indicated his preference for continuing the working relationship between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah PH, which has governed the state in partnership since 2022 after a falling out with Sabah Barisan Nasional. However, the national PH leadership has also announced an electoral pact with BN, adding uncertainty to the alliance dynamics in Sabah and raising questions about seat negotiations and potential electoral clashes with GRS in Sabah. Sabah is expected to head to the polls for its 17th state election (PRN17) in the coming months or face automatic dissolution by November. The eight component GRS currently governs in partnership with Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH), which comprises three components.
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah PH to start polls negotiations with GRS soon, says PKR leader
Mustapha Sakmud said Sabah PH will begin official negotiations with GRS on cooperation in the state election following similar talks with BN. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Sabah Pakatan Harapan is expected to begin official talks with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah soon in preparation for the 17th state election. Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud said the state chapter had been given the green light to negotiate with GRS by both the PKR and PH central leadership, RTM reported. He said the main focus of Sabah PH at present is to form a strong political collaboration to ensure the state's stability and development. 'We've started talks with Barisan Nasional. After this, we will hold discussions with GRS,' he was quoted as saying. Last month, GRS chairman Hajiji Noor reiterated his desire to continue the existing alliance between his coalition and PH for the upcoming state election. Hajiji, who is the Sabah chief minister, said the existing cooperation between GRS and PH in governing the state should be the foundation in determining any electoral pact. He had also conveyed his views to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the PH chairman. Hajiji had stated numerous times in the past GRS's intention to work with PH in the state election, which must be held by the end of the year. In early May, however, the unity government secretariat announced that BN and PH had agreed to work together to face the state polls, following a meeting between their chairmen, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Anwar. Hajiji then threatened that GRS would go solo, but Anwar later stepped in and called for PH-BN to work with the state coalition. AdChoices ADVERTISING Earlier today, GRS deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali supported Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin's call for GRS and BN to contest against each other in the state election. He said Bung's suggestion to consider cooperation only after the election is reasonable, as a direct contest would clarify who has real support.
Daily Express
30-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Federal-Sabah ties must be close, built on mutual trust
Federal-Sabah ties must be close, built on mutual trust – PM Anwar KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for stronger ties between the federal government and Sabah, grounded in mutual trust and aimed at advancing the state's development and protecting the welfare of its people. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said Sabah should follow Sarawak's example, where closer federal-state cooperation has shown tangible benefits. Advertisement He reiterated Putrajaya's commitment to working with Sabah's leadership on governance and development, to further safeguard the state's interests and wellbeing. 'The federal government has long prioritised Sabah's needs. This isn't about state elections, it's about responsibility,' he told reporters after meeting Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders on Thursday night. SPONSORED CONTENT Anwar added that the federal government has consistently shown concern for Sabah's needs, and the issue goes beyond electoral considerations. Also present were Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), PKR Sabah State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmu, and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Advertisement Anwar said that under his administration, the Federal Government had demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with ministers from Sabah and Sarawak. He said that as a result of that determination, nine key matters which were delayed for decades had been successfully resolved, and even more complex issues such as those concerning oil affairs had been addressed. Advertisement 'So we propose the same principle so that more assured revenue for Sabah can be achieved. Not misused - for me, continuity and governance are the priorities, not leaders scrambling for wealth for themselves. 'But to use the opportunity to defend the fate of the people. This is the government that must be upheld and supported for our people,' he said. Anwar said the Federal government has proven its commitment to defending Sabah's rights, especially in addressing the issue of the Sulu group's claim, which was successfully repelled and overcome, thus upholding the dignity of the state as part of Malaysia. "We gave our full commitment in the Cabinet meeting, and even in the recent ASEAN summit, we managed to ensure that Sabah's issues are always prioritised," he said. Asked about PH's cooperation strategy in the Sabah State Election (PRN), Anwar, who is also PH Chairman, said that Sabah PH is currently holding discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). "Let Sabah PH decide; they are negotiating with GRS and negotiating with Sabah BN. These Sabah PH leaders will come forward and coordinate. Right now, it seems that all meetings are progressing, and we don't anticipate any problems," he said.
