AS tensions escalate between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and UMNO-Barisan Nasional (BN) ahead of the 17th Sabah state election, Pakatan Harapan (PH) is taking a more measured approach — positioning itself as a potential bridge between competing forces.
While GRS and UMNO-BN exchange sharp rhetoric over whether to cooperate or clash at the polls, Sabah PH is preparing for official negotiations with GRS.
Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud confirmed that PH had received the green light from its national leadership to initiate talks, saying their focus is on forming a strong political collaboration for the state’s stability and development.
At the same time, the possibility of a PH-BN alliance in Sabah remains open. PH and BN, as key components of the federal unity government, have already agreed to cooperate for the state election.
However, local dynamics remain fluid.
GRS, led by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, has repeatedly voiced interest in continuing its partnership with PH. But recent remarks by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali — supporting a direct electoral clash with BN — suggest internal divisions.
Armizan argued that such a contest would clarify which coalition enjoys true grassroots support and avoid claims of “borrowed strength”.
UMNO Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, meanwhile, insists his party will not wait for a “green light” to chart its course and stressed that BN has learnt from past cooperation failures. He said future partnerships must be based on sincerity, not convenience.
In contrast, Sabah PH leaders on May 9 described the PH-BN alliance as rational and beneficial for both federal and state-level stability.
In a joint statement, they said they remain open to collaboration with any party that supports unity and Sabah’s long-term development.
As the election draws closer, Sabah’s political landscape is shaping into a three-way strategic puzzle — where cooperation, competition, and coalition-building remain equally possible outcomes. — June 15, 2025
Main photo credit: Facebook
