KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is a formidable pact composed of local parties – something which has long been needed by the people of Sabah.
Many have expressed hopes of seeing genuinely local parties taking charge after three decades of rule under Barisan Nasional (BN) of which UMNO was the lynchpin.
The GRS is now a force to be reckoned with, but crucially all seven component parties must remain united to win the hearts and minds of both the urban and rural voters and ensure a thumping win in the next state election.
The 17th Sabah state election is due to be held no later than 2025.
“We are united…unity is something we cannot compromise in order to be strong and relevant.
“And, we must also work hard to serve the people to ensure their continued support,” Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai said.
And Dr Yee praised Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor for his leadership in spearheading the GRS government.
“Hajiji, with his vast political experience and skills, coupled with his affable personality, is an irreplaceable Captain who will steer Sabah to greater heights.
“He is definitely a good leader and I am confident he will lead the GRS to victory in the next polls,” Dr Yee, a former Deputy Chief Minister, enthused.
And he recalled how Hajiji had urged elected representatives and leaders to stay in touch with the masses so as to grasp their aspirations better.
“Be close to the people to win their hearts and minds,” Hajiji urged.
Hajiji is also the chairman of GRS and president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) – the backbone of the ruling coalition with the most elected representatives in the 79-seat State Legislative Assembly.
The GRS was officially launched in May last year and it comprises six other parties namely Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United National Sabah Organisation (USNO), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS).
And, the GRS administration has the support of seven Pakatan Harapan (PH) elected representatives.
Meanwhile Dr Yee cautioned although the GRS administration has a successful record “we must not be so over confident that we become oblivious to the needs of all our constituents”.
