GRS hopes coalition allies will be rational in GE16 seat talks

 GRS chairman Hajiji Noor hopes that the coalition's allies in the state government will field winnable candidates.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said the coalition needs to start preparing for the next general election by strengthening its machinery at all levels.

PETALING JAYA:

Sabah’s ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah will lead seat negotiations for the 16th general election with its allies in the coalition state government, GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said.

Hajiji, who is also the chief minister, said GRS would discuss the allocation of parliamentary seats with the other parties in the state government, including Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, MalayMail Online reported.

However, formal negotiations have yet to begin, he said. “We hope our friends in the government will be rational and we will field those who can win the election,” he was quoted as saying.

GRS comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) led by Hajiji; Parti Bersatu Sabah; Liberal Democratic Party; Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah; Upko; and Parti Cinta Sabah. The coalition holds 36 seats in the 53-member state assembly.

Its coalition allies are BN (6 seats), PH (2), Perikatan Nasional (1) and six independents.

Hajiji said there is a need to start preparing for the next general election by strengthening its machinery at all levels and increasing its engagement with voters.

Separately, Gagasan Rakyat unveiled a restructuring into 25 parliamentary divisions, with new division leaders appointed. Among them are Hajiji for Tuaran, Masidi Manjun (Ranau), Arifin Arif (Kimanis) and James Ratib (Beluran).

In the 2022 general election, GRS won six parliamentary seats, while BN won seven. PH won five. The next general election must be held by late February 2028 unless Parliament is dissolved earlier. - FMT