As Sabah prepares for its 17th state election, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has called for both GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to approach seat negotiations with reasonable expectations to maximize their collective electoral strength.
Speaking to reporters at the 3rd Borneo Vascular Conference here on Friday, October 10, Masidi elaborated on his recent podcast remarks, where he noted that the departure of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Action Party (SAPP) from GRS should serve as a reminder to PH to avoid demanding an excessive number of seats. “If GRS is weakened, PH, as our partner, will also be affected, as we draw from the same voter base,” he explained.
A Call for Unity and Strategy
Masidi emphasized that the focus should be on securing a victory rather than haggling over seat allocations. “At the end of the day, it’s about winning, not about who gets what,” he said, noting that both GRS and PH share this sentiment based on recent discussions. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect in their partnership, adding, “The number of seats matters because it shows PH values GRS as much as GRS values PH.”
The deputy president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) reported that seat talks between GRS and PH are progressing amicably, with candidate announcements expected just before nomination day.
Navigating Coalition Dynamics
When asked about potential seat clashes with Barisan Nasional (BN), given PH’s electoral pact with BN, Masidi clarified that GRS is solely focused on its arrangement with PH. “PH’s agreement with BN is their matter. We are only concerned with our partnership with PH,” he said.
Masidi’s earlier podcast comments underscored the impact of STAR and SAPP’s exit from GRS, describing it as a wake-up call for PH to prioritize local representation in negotiations. Despite the departures, GRS retains the support of five STAR assemblymen—Datuk Ellron Angin (Sook), Datuk Robert Tawik (Bingkor), Datuk Abidin Madingkir (Paginatan), Datuk Annuar Ayub (Liawan), and Datuk Flovia Ng (Tulid)—who have pledged their allegiance to GRS.
GRS and PH’s Current Standing
GRS now comprises six component parties: Gagasan Rakyat, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS). Meanwhile, PH includes four parties: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party (DAP), and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).
In contrast, BN has opted to collaborate exclusively with PH for the state election, following tripartite negotiations in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, leaving GRS to focus on strengthening its partnership with PH.
