Kota Kinabalu: Former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sabah deputy chief Aksyah Nasrah said Umno’s decision to sever ties with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the coming 17th state election sets the stage for a decisive battle, testing the strength and appeal of local parties vis-à-vis peninsula-based ones.
He views this development as a positive step, granting Sabahans greater democratic freedom to choose their leaders without the constraints of political compromises.
He urged GRS to intensify its preparations, enhance strategic alliances, and ensure that support from component partners and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah translates into tangible votes.
Referring to Sabah Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak’s revelation that BN rejected cooperation after being offered only eight seats, Aksyah said this reflects BN’s diminished standing in the state.
He lauded GRS’ stance of not conceding seats already won by the coalition, aligning with the “incumbency rule” of defending existing territories.
He said GRS’ decision was both reasonable and consistent with the current political landscape, especially in light of the “Langkah Kinabalu” episode, which could have disrupted Sabah’s political stability.
He noted that BN’s actions over the decades had created divisions and they must now accept that local parties are at the forefront of Sabah’s political direction.
Acknowledging the likelihood of BN contesting seats currently held by GRS, Aksyah welcomed this as a democratic test of public support.
Turning to PH’s position, Aksyah observed a growing alignment with GRS, particularly in constituencies where clashes with BN are unlikely.
He credited the close cooperation over the past two years for fostering political stability in Sabah, emphasising the sincerity and honesty underpinning the GRS-PH Plus relationship.
He echoed GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s call to strengthen the grip of local parties and advance the Sabah Maju Jaya vision, urging voters to avoid past errors by allowing outsiders to dictate their future.