Borneo bloc seen a step closer with GRS now ‘100% local’

 

Hajiji Noor of Sabah and Abang Johari Openg of Sarawak are known to be allies, says a political analyst. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The proposed Borneo bloc is a step closer to reality with the takeover of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah by Sabah leader Hajiji Noor, according to a political analyst.

The entry of Gagasan Rakyat into the ruling coalition of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, makes GRS “100% local”, GRS chairman Hajiji said on Sunday.

Political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said previous ruling coalitions in Sabah had ties with West Malaysian parties, or were not on the same page with Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Sabah Umno was tied to the federal leadership, while Warisan and Pakatan Harapan were not allied with GPS, he said.

“Previously, some GPS leaders had reservations about cooperating with GRS because Bersatu was a part of it. Now Bersatu is out of the picture and GRS is 100% local. It will be easier to establish a Borneo bloc with GPS,” he told FMT.

“Hajiji and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg are also allies,” he said.

Hajiji assumed control of Gagasan Rakyat as its president on Sunday, two months after he led a group of supporters out of Sabah Bersatu, and announced Gagasan Rakyat would join GRS.

Lee said Hajiji’s decision to take over a multiracial party was in line with Sabah’s “multiracial DNA”.

“Hajiji has many Chinese supporters, but in Bersatu they can only be associate members. Politically, this gives the impression that they aren’t equal. Now Hajiji can bring them into the fold in Gagasan Rakyat,” said Lee.

“Its multiracial nature will only strengthen the image of GRS as an inclusive coalition for all Sabahans.”

Lee said with Gagasan Rakyat’s launch scheduled for March 2, Hajiji has enough time to rope in new leaders from other parties.

“Three Warisan assemblymen have already announced their support for Hajiji, it’s likely they will join Gagasan Rakyat,” he said.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi said Hajiji’s taking over of Gagasan Rakyat reflected on his inclusive leadership.

“Gagasan Rakyat being multiracial puts them on par with Warisan which is also a multiracial party. In the past, Warisan would criticise Hajiji for being part of an ‘outsider’ party… Bersatu, now they cannot say that. So it further strengthens credentials.

“You can see the immediate impact with three Warisan assemblymen quitting the party to back Hajiji,” he said.

Yesterday, state assembly members Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi), Chong Chen Bin (Tanjong Kapor) and Norazlina Arif (Kunak) announced they were leaving Warisan. - FMT