Don’t force Sabah to follow federal model, says GRS leader

 Armizan Mohd Ali says the MoU signed in December 2022 was only meant to form the federal government and does not require other states to follow suit.

The Sabah government is currently led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah together with Pakatan Harapan. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Sabah should not be forced to replicate the federal government’s unity model in its upcoming state election, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali said today.

The domestic trade and cost of living minister pointed out that the memorandum of understanding signed by five political coalitions and parties in December 2022 was only for cooperation to form a federal government.

“There is nothing in the MoU that says the same formula must be followed for state governments. None. It was just for the federal government,” he told reporters after an event in Papar, Sabah, today.

Armizan said one must recognise that the upcoming election is a state election, not a general election, which brings different political dynamics.

Armizan Mohd Ali.

“If we can respect the composition and form of cooperation in Johor and Sarawak, I think we should also respect the appropriate cooperation that can be formed in Sabah,” he said.

“Let the people express their readiness for cooperation. So, we don’t impose the ‘condition’ that we need to follow the exact model of Peninsular Malaysia, or the federal government.”

Armizan was asked to comment on remarks by former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak, who said earlier today that political stability in the state could only be achieved through close cooperation between Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and local parties.

Salleh said it was impossible to separate BN and PH, as “the pillars of the Madani government at the federal level” share common objectives – stability, development, and securing the future of the people.

As such, the Usukan assemblyman said, Sabah cannot afford to follow Sarawak in shutting out national parties.

Both BN and GRS are courting PH for an alliance for the state election. While PH has said it will decide on the matter closer to the polls, its elected representatives continue to be part of chief minister Hajiji Noor’s state Cabinet.

GRS is part of the federal coalition, which comprises PH, BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, as well as several minor parties and independents.

However, in Sabah, BN is part of the opposition while Hajiji’s government has the support of five Umno members.

The term of the current state assembly expires on Nov 11, and an election must be held within 60 days of its dissolution.

However, there has been talk that the election would be held in July or August. - FMT