Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must first resolve internal issues before discussing with potential coalition partners, said GRS Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
“Seat discussions? Preliminary, within GRS yes. But for PH-BN? Wait until we settle internal problems then we will come to that,” he told reporters, Thursday.
Asked whether GRS would consider working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in the next state election, the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President said the rakyat remains the priority.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“We will work with anybody for the sake of political stability, but we have to listen to the rakyat. If the rakyat majority says aye, we have to respond,” he said.
When asked whether the next Sabah polls could pit local-based parties against national coalitions, Jeffrey said it’s too early to conclude.
““That’s what I hear also but this is still too early. It’s a long time from now,” he said.
He also responded to recent comments by Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who called for an open debate regarding the “Sabah for Sabahan” slogan.
“For me, anytime. But it doesn’t need to be me. He (Bung) can debate my people and that is more than enough,” he said.
With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled to officiate this year’s state-level Kaamatan celebrations at KDCA on May 30, Jeffrey said he does not expect any major political announcements.
“We are not expecting anything special but the important thing is he comes and officiates the Kaamatan at KDCA. Unity,” he said.