Kota Kinabalu: Bersatu is weighing the pros and cons of cooperating with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the state elections to be held by 2025.
Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said now is the time to rebuild the party and return it into “a force to be reckoned with”.
“We have not made any decision as there are matters to be explored in terms of affiliation or working with any party. “Bersatu will have to make its own assessment. When the right time comes, we will make the right decision.
“I am not denying it (cooperation) outright because things like this will contribute to the party’s goal,” he told the press during the party’s convention at Le Meridien, Sunday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030. Read more He said the convention was akin to a resurrection after betrayal by ex-Bersatu Sabah members, who are now mostly in GRS.
“It’s a good sign for Sabah’s politics, and shows that Bersatu is still alive. Many believe Perikatan Nasional (PN) can bring development and justice for Sabah. The people are disappointed to the point of being angry at the failures of the Federal Government.
“If I recall, no billion ringgits were given to Sabah while the cost of living keeps on rising.”
Asked if Perikatan Nasional (PN) which Bersatu leads would be fielding any candidates, Muhyiddin said it is still too early to say.
“The number of seats and candidates contested by the PN coalition will be revealed closer to polling day. We are the opposition. We don’t receive funding from anyone.
Those who subscribe to our struggles accept this fact with an open heart.
“But I am pleased to learn that there are many qualified young blood in Sabah who are ready to make sacrifices to lead,” he said.
Bersatu Sabah Chief Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said they have over 25,000 members in 600 branches in all 25 Sabah parliamentary constituencies and are working to add more branches.
On Saturday, Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) President Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir also expressed intent in collaborating with the ruling GRS coalition.
The former Kedah Menteri Besar said previous good relations between the two parties are a basis for potential cooperation, adding that Pejuang hass also engaged with smaller Sabah parties.
Meanwhile, Bersatu Secretary General Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said to expect six by-elections following the party’s recent constitutional amendments approved by the ROS on April 2.
The amendment to a “loophole” was aimed against six Bersatu MPs including Labuan, who pledged allegiance to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while remaining Bersatu members.
“We will notify the (Dewan Rakyat) Speaker and follow up with the Election Commission where you can expect a subsequent by-election.
“With the ROS’s approval, the memberships of those involved are automatically revoked,” he said.
Muhyiddin said that according to the Anti-hopping law, the seats are technically already vacated.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.