KOTA KINABALU – Parti Warisan is unlikely to form an alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the upcoming state election, according to its Vice President Terrence Siambun.
Siambun expressed gratitude to STAR President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth Chief Christopher Mandut for extending invitations for Warisan to join GRS.
However, he cast doubt on any collaboration materialising due to corruption scandals allegedly involving GRS’s key component party, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), and its president, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor.
“How can Warisan join or even form an election pact with GRS when MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) has yet to clear the several PGRS YBs involved in the ‘kickback scandal’?” he questioned.
“Why should Warisan seek trouble by forming an electoral pact with PGRS when we all know that if this pact (Warisan + GRS) wins the state election, it will enable those implicated not only to walk free but also to hold key executive positions?”
Siambun stressed that no discussions on electoral pacts with GRS should take place until all PGRS representatives involved in the scandal are cleared.
He also acknowledged Dr Jeffrey’s long-standing idealism and sentimentality towards GRS, recognising it as a reflection of his vision for the United Borneo Front (UBF), a local coalition opposing peninsula-based parties. However, he warned that PGRS could ultimately undermine GRS.
“I believe Jeffrey sees GRS as the realisation of his UBF dream, where all local parties unite under a single coalition to challenge Malaya-based parties. His political views were likely shaped during the era of Barisan Nasional’s dominance in the 1980s and 1990s.”
Siambun argued that Dr Jeffrey should have been appointed GRS chairman, given his decade-long advocacy for a united front in Sabah. “It makes no sense to place Hajiji as chairman while allowing PGRS to dominate the coalition when they clearly lack direction,” he added.
He reaffirmed Warisan’s readiness to collaborate with STAR and PBS to form a strong local alliance aimed at reclaiming Sabah’s rights, akin to Sarawak’s current approach.
“If STAR and PBS believe in keeping all local parties within GRS, they should suspend or expel PGRS. Alternatively, they could leave PGRS to GRS and establish Jeffrey’s United Borneo Front.
“There should be no sympathy for PGRS or Hajiji being left to stand alone in GRS since Zulkarnain Mahdar and his 52 NGOs can always join later,” he concluded.
Earlier today, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah dismissed speculation about Warisan joining its ranks, clarifying that no formal talks or decisions on the matter had taken place.
GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said suggestions of Warisan joining the coalition were merely individual opinions rather than an official stance.
“This is an opinion expressed by certain individuals. It has not been discussed within GRS or at the PBS leadership level,” said Joniston, who also serves as PBS Information Chief.
“We appreciate the interest in strengthening Sabah’s political landscape, but we urge supporters and the public not to jump to conclusions based on personal remarks,” he added.
Joniston’s remarks followed queries from the media and supporters, particularly from PBS, seeking clarification on GRS’s position after recent statements.
He reiterated that while GRS supports uniting local political parties for Sabah’s benefit, any decisions must adhere to proper procedures and formal discussions within the coalition.
Talk of Warisan joining GRS gained traction after Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal reportedly said GRS had repeatedly rebuffed offers of collaboration ahead of the upcoming state election.