Two independent MPs who left Bersatu last year have thrown their full support behind the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah–Pakatan Harapan alliance for the Sabah state election.
Showing solidarity on the ground
Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan) and Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang) appeared together at a PH ceramah here today, openly declaring their backing for the PH-GRS partnership.
Suhaili, who was expelled from Bersatu in 2023 after supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said he was impressed by the large crowd and Anwar’s clear confidence in GRS chairman Hajiji Noor.
“The turnout tonight was excellent. What stood out most was Anwar saying he came to Sulaman to support Hajiji — that shows real trust between them,” he told FMT.
Clear and exclusive support
As pro-government independents, both MPs made their position crystal clear.
“I am 100% behind Anwar and Hajiji. I came to Sabah only to campaign for PH and GRS candidates — no one else,” Suhaili stressed.
Azizi, who has been in the state since the day Anwar unveiled PH candidates, echoed the same line.
“We are here to make sure the good working relationship between the federal and Sabah governments continues after the election,” he said.
When asked if they would ever back Perikatan Nasional candidates, Azizi replied firmly: “Of course not.”
Taking aim at opposition slogans
Suhaili also questioned the opposition’s “Save Sabah” and “Save Malaysia” rhetoric.
“Save from what? Sabah and Malaysia are already safe and stable under Anwar and Hajiji. What we really need to save the country from are leaders who only dream of becoming prime minister or chief minister,” he said.
Parliament duties limit others
Suhaili revealed that some of the other four Bersatu MPs who switched to supporting the unity government had wanted to campaign in Sabah, but ongoing parliamentary sessions kept them in Kuala Lumpur.
They are Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tanjong Karang), Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang), Zahari Kechik (Jeli), and Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar).
