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THE Barisan Nasional–Pakatan Harapan alliance at the federal level does not necessarily need to be replicated in Sabah, according to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who stressed the importance of respecting the state’s distinct political dynamics ahead of its upcoming state election.
“The cooperation model at the federal level should not be imposed in Sabah. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2022 only pertains to the formation of the Federal Government,” Armizan said on Monday.
“There’s nothing in the MoU that mandates the same arrangement for state-level governments. That’s the first principle we must understand. This is a state election, and every state has its own unique context. Just look at Johor and Sarawak—no one questions their political compositions,” he added.
Speaking at the opening of the Majestic Ballroom at 10 Star Cinemas, Parklane City Benoni, in Papar, Sabah, Armizan—who is also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living—was responding to suggestions by some political leaders that a BN–PH partnership in Sabah is inevitable due to their cooperation at the national level.
The Papar MP emphasised that the foundation of any potential alliance for the Sabah state election must be mutual compatibility and willingness among the parties involved.
“Setting other factors or conditions as the main priority will not guarantee a successful or stable cooperation. This is an election to choose a state government, not a federal one,” he said.
Armizan noted that Sabah’s political landscape has evolved since the establishment of the federal unity government, which influenced the formation of the current GRS–PH Plus state administration.
“We must remember that today’s state government is a result of the coalition formed after the federal unity government was set up, following attempts by certain quarters to stage a political coup. This is the composition of the unity government in Sabah.
“Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (Chief Minister) recently stated that any talks of cooperation must begin with the parties that currently form the state government—namely GRS–PH Plus. I fully agree with that,” he added.
Armizan also cautioned against prolonged negotiations over electoral cooperation that risk sidelining the electorate.
“For me, the discussions on whether to cooperate or not have gone on for too long. We should not put ourselves before the people. It’s simple: if we want to work together, there must be mutual understanding.
“If there are parties unwilling to cooperate, then that’s fine—let’s face off. After all, we’ve been under fire daily for two years now as part of GRS–PH Plus,” he said. - April 29, 2025