GRS needs to join new govt to represent Sabah, say analysts

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is welcomed to join his unity government. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should join Anwar Ibrahim’s newly formed unity government to ensure the state has representation in the Cabinet, say two analyst.

Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said GRS’ absence in the federal government will leave a gap in Anwar’s inclusive government.

Like Sarawak, he said, Sabah requires special attention from the federal government, thus the need for GRS to be in the Cabinet.

“West Malaysia will have representatives from Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, and Sarawak from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, so Sabah should be represented by GRS,” he told FMT.

Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs said the door is still open for GRS to join Anwar’s new government. He said GRS risks losing control over the state if it does not have a place in the federal government.

“The Sabah government may soon shift to one that is dominated by BN, PH and Warisan,” he said.

At his first press conference as prime minister last night, Anwar announced that his unity government comprises PH, BN and GPS.

He said the government is also supported by MPs from Warisan, Muda and Parti Bangsa Malaysia.

Anwar said he welcomed GRS to join the unity government.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor had earlier said the coalition would leave it to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to decide on the next prime minister.

This appeared to be a departure from its earlier stand to back Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin as the prime minister. - FMT