SANDAKAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said it is up to Barisan Nasional (BN) or Umno to decide whether they wish to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the coming 17th State Election.
He explained that GRS had already agreed through its supreme council meeting to continue cooperation in the current government with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Hajiji stressed that BN’s decision to align with PH for the state election is a matter for BN, while GRS remains committed to its partnership with PH in government.
He was responding to Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that BN would not work with GRS for state polls but would maintain cooperation with PH.
Hajiji said GRS has made its position clear and will continue working with PH as partners in the state government.
He noted that political overlaps are part of democracy and that such situations are not new in Sabah politics.
The Chief Minister pointed out that in the past, some parties were in government at the federal level while in opposition in the state, reflecting Sabah’s unique political landscape.
Hajiji was speaking at a press conference after launching the State-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Sandakan Community Hall on Friday.
The event drew over 13,000 participants from 113 contingents across government agencies, universities, schools, private organisations and NGOs, with awards presented for the best contingents and banners.
Hajiji also said the state government is studying the proposal for an anti-bullying bill to be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly after the election, while urging Muslims to live by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in daily life.