Latest news with #SabahPakatan
The Star
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah polls: Joint election machinery between GRS and Sabah Pakatan likely
KOTA KINABALU: The likelihood of a joint election machinery between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Pakatan Harapan is becoming increasingly clear, with repeated signals of intent from Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah said the cooperation between the two political blocs appears to be heading in a positive direction as both sides have demonstrated mutual respect and support. "The confidence is there. The Chief Minister has, on several occasions, expressed his openness and desire to work together with Pakatan Harapan," he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Inanam Annual Conference at the Menggatal Community Hall on Tuesday (June 17). Banah noted that Sabah Pakatan had also shown support for Hajiji's leadership and administration, signalling strong groundwork for a potential collaboration in the upcoming 17th state election (PRN-17). He said the matter of forming a formal joint election operation between GRS and Pakatan would be discussed and decided at the GRS Supreme Council meeting in the near future. "If this cooperation is finalised, we will set up a joint election machinery in every district to ensure that GRS candidates have the full backing needed to win in PRN-17," he said. Banah also confirmed that GRS currently shares a common view with Barisan Nasional, to not pursue any electoral cooperation for the state polls. He expressed optimism that the existing working relationship between GRS and Sabah Pakatan within the state Cabinet had laid a solid foundation for political stability in Sabah, which should continue through the election. He also commended Hajiji's leadership, describing him as a unifying force at the forefront of Sabah politics. "His leadership is the shield that protects political harmony and progress in the state. We believe the people trust him, and his ideas will be the rallying point for GRS consensus candidates to secure victory," Banah added. The Gagasan Rakyat Inanam division is led by Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who was also present at the conference.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah Pakatan Harapan yet to finalise election strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan has not yet finalised its position or strategy for the upcoming Sabah state election, as internal discussions among the coalition's component parties are still ongoing. Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that while frequent meetings are held between Pakatan leaders, many key decisions, including potential alliances and seat allocations, remain open for discussion. 'As of now, we have not reached any final decisions. We are still assessing the political landscape and developments on the ground,' he told reporters at a joint development agreement between Qhazanah Sabah Bhd and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd, and the launch of Q-SME Halal Industrial Park on Monday (June 16). Echoing Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Phoong said Sabah Pakatan will engage in talks with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), taking a cautious approach before firming up its strategy. Mustapha, who is also the Deputy Higher Education Minister and Sepanggar MP, had said earlier that Sabah Pakatan needs 'more time to reassess the situation' before deciding on electoral cooperation, particularly with GRS. He noted that statements made by Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun suggest preliminary discussions may take place, but stressed that Sabah Pakatan's leadership would continue to evaluate matters 'day by day.' 'Two years ago, we decided that GRS is the leader of the state government. That is what we accepted two years ago. So, I think, as far as (Sabah) Pakatan is concerned, we need to look into what situation unfolds every day,' Phoong said. He noted that the Sabah political landscape is unique and constantly evolving. 'We want to ensure that any decisions we make are in the best interest of the people and reflect the values and aspirations of Pakatan,' Phoong said. He said the coalition's four main component parties in Sabah, namely DAP, PKR, Amanah, and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), are working closely together, holding regular dialogues and maintaining good communication. 'The unity and cohesion within Sabah Pakatan are strong. We may have different views, but we are able to sit down together and discuss them constructively. That is a positive sign,' Phoong said. He also reiterated DAP's stand to focus more on policies rather than political manoeuvring, stating that the party's long-term vision for Sabah includes economic transformation, infrastructure development, and youth employment. 'At the end of the day, the people will judge us based on what we deliver, not just who we align with.' Sabah is expected to hold its state election by the end of this year, with the term of the current GRS-led government nearing its expiry.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Prime Minister's decision is wise and timely, says Upko
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. Kota Kinabalu: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement Wednesday. On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and, therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the State and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
'Strategic autonomy' for Sabah Pakatan in state polls a timely move, says Upko leader
KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). ALSO READ: All Pakatan matters on Sabah polls to be handled at state level, says Anwar On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. ALSO READ: Anwar meets Sabah PKR leaders amid political shifts He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the state and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
GRS can still be accommodated in PH-BN electoral pact, says Sabah PKR chief
KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, which have formalised an electoral pact for the state election, are still open to accommodating Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. The Sabah PKR chairman said there was still space for discussions with GRS and other local parties to be part of a larger electoral pact involving both local and national parties. "We are still open to cooperation with GRS. Let us avoid clashes or conflicts. "We know that GRS wants to be the dominant party in the state government and we respect that," he told reporters after opening an education exhibition at North Borneo University College here Saturday (May 10). Mustapha believes that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is GRS chairman, could discuss further the issue of cooperation when Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attends the closing of the state-level Madani Rakyat programme in Tawau on Sunday (May 11). Mustapha said the announcement for the Sabah electoral pact between Pakatan and Barisan on Friday (May 9) was made by the leadership in Kuala Lumpur and was done after consultation with Sabah Pakatan leaders. Hajiji, who has been seeking a pact with Pakatan without estranged Sabah Barisan, immediately responded that GRS would go solo if the Pakatan-Barisan pact goes ahead. "We hope for early discussions with GRS in line with the Prime Minister's aspiration to preserve the unity of the federal government. If possible, we want to bring that unity to the state level as well. "If GRS ultimately decides to go solo, it is their prerogative. We are prepared for all possible scenarios, including the worst-case one," Mustapha said, adding that different scenarios in politics were normal. "We try to avoid clashes, but if they happen, we will face them," he said, adding that the final decision is made by the voters. GRS has been in a coalition government with Sabah Pakatan since January 2023 after Sabah Barisan led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin pulled out their support for Hajiji and GRS.
