BEAUFORT: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must contest at least 50 out of the 73 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) should it enter into a coalition with other parties in the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
Lumadan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Division Chief Mazlan Joehari Manan said this is crucial to ensure GRS, as a coalition of local parties, remains dominant in advocating for Sabah’s interests.
He stressed that while political dominance is necessary for stability, even more important is the cooperation that follows the election, as seen in the current GRS-PH Plus Government.
“Regardless of the political alliances formed for PRN17, GRS must remain dominant in seat allocations and continue to champion the rights of the people through the Sabah Government.
“Therefore, GRS should contest at least 50 seats in this election. This proposal should be considered by the party leadership,” he said after attending the Lumadan Gagasan Rakyat Division’s Ramadan Moreh event, which was attended by Sipitang MP and GRS Supreme Council Member Datuk Matbali Musah, Monday.
Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah) President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan had earlier suggested that GRS contest all 73 seats to maintain its dominance.
He also reaffirmed Star’s stance that only local parties should contest in PRN17, without the involvement of national parties.
However, as GRS Deputy Chairman, he clarified that any decisions regarding GRS’ political collaborations would only be made in a meeting scheduled after Aidilfitri.
Meanwhile, Mazlan, who also serves as Special Officer to the Chief Minister, hinted that despite political cooperation, there could still be clashes between GRS and its political allies in certain constituencies during PRN17.
He explained that this situation arises due to the lack of a finalised agreement on seat allocations.
Therefore, the most viable solution would be to allow “friendly contests” among coalition members and allies.
“In my opinion, if no agreement is reached on certain seats, the best approach would be a ‘free fight’. We must also stand firm in ensuring that the seats allocated to GRS remain contested by GRS,” he asserted.
