Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairman of Pakatan Harapan , has affirmed that his coalition will respect Barisan Nasional’s firm decision to rule out cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the upcoming Sabah election.
Anwar emphasized that PH will continue engaging with both BN and GRS to seek a viable resolution.
“PH will maintain discussions with BN and GRS. We will negotiate in good faith to find a solution,” Anwar said in Kuala Lumpur today, as reported by Bernama.
The statement follows BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s announcement last night that, after extensive deliberations, BN and Sabah Umno have conclusively decided against forming an alliance with GRS.
“BN, PH, and GRS had previously agreed to establish a technical committee, which held several rounds of negotiations in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur,” Zahid told Sinar Harian.
“After thoroughly reviewing the outcomes of these three-party talks, I informed Sabah Umno of the leadership’s decision to uphold the existing BN-PH cooperation.”
Zahid, who also serves as Umno president and deputy prime minister, noted that the technical committee was formed in response to Anwar’s call to avoid three-cornered contests among the coalitions in the state election.
Despite Anwar’s efforts to foster collaboration, PH has forged separate agreements with GRS and BN ahead of the polls, but BN and GRS have steadfastly refused to work together.
Currently, GRS and PH are allies in the Hajiji Noor-led Sabah state government, while BN remains in opposition in the Sabah state assembly.
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