KOTA KINABALU — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the state’s ruling coalition, has stated its intention to maintain its collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the current Sabah government, amid news that the local DAP chapter might review its position following an alleged corruption scandal implicating senior state leaders.
GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also Sabah Chief Minister, said the coalition wanted to maintain cooperation with PH in the current government as part of its strategy for the upcoming state election, due next year.
Sabah’s legislative assembly will end its current term in October next year, but there is the possibility of elections being held even before that.
Hajiji said he had conveyed his hopes for PH to continue supporting the GRS state government to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PH chairman, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, Bernama reports.
“As for other parties, we’ll observe and consider their approaches. What we want is unity. As Chief Minister, my priority is fostering harmony. That’s why GRS was formed, comprising eight component parties. While some are smaller parties that didn’t win in the last election, my intention has always been to unite us under one vision.
The GRS coalition comprises Hajiji’s party, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
Last week, the DAP national leadership announced that Sabah DAP has full authority to decide on its participation in the Sabah government following revelations of alleged corruption implicating figures in the state government.
A whistleblower had leaked several videos showing Sabah assemblymen discussing bribes in exchange for approving a mining exploration contract.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is currently investigating the matter and has recorded statements from several Sabah assemblymen and the whistleblower.
The whistleblower is also under investigation, as he has been accused of colluding with Sabah government officer a contract for mineral exploration activities.
Hajiji has been facing calls, especially from Sabah Umno, to step down to take responsibility of the alleged corruption within his state government.
In Sabah, DAP has four assemblymen, the party’s state chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang), who is also the Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Tan Lee Fatt (Likas) who is Sabah Assistant Minister of Finance, Datuk Frankie Poon (Tanjong Papat) who is Sabah Development Berhad chairman, and Jannie Lasimbang (Kepayan) who is Sabah Rural Development Corporation chairman. – December 15, 2024