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SABAH Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has clarified that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has yet to make any formal decision regarding electoral cooperation ahead of the 17th Sabah state election (PRN17), dismissing recent comments by Sabah UMNO chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as merely personal opinion.
“GRS has not made any decision yet. The GRS Supreme Council will convene in the near future to determine our direction for PRN17,” Hajiji, who also chairs the ruling coalition, told reporters at a community event on Thursday.
He added that discussions would include identifying potential electoral partners, seat distribution, and overall strategy.
“This will include deciding who our partners will be, how the seats will be distributed, and other related matters,” he said.
Hajiji was responding to Bung Moktar’s remarks earlier this week, in which the latter stated that UMNO-Barisan Nasional (BN) would only consider cooperating with GRS after the polls. The statement was widely viewed as a signal of UMNO’s preference to go it alone, or at least delay any formal alliance.
The Chief Minister, however, sought to temper any speculation, indicating that no official stance had been adopted by GRS and that unity within the coalition remained intact.
Hajiji was speaking after officiating a Hari Raya Aidiladha donation programme at the Sabah Bajau Samah Cultural Centre in Kampung Lok Batik, where 200 sacrificial cattle were distributed to mosques, suraus, local NGOs, and government agencies across the Tuaran parliamentary constituency.
On the event itself, he emphasised the significance of the Islamic ritual of *korban* not only as an act of devotion to God, but also as a symbol of unity and mutual care within the community.
“The *korban* is deeply meaningful in strengthening the spirit of solidarity and helping one another among Muslims.
“Aidiladha is not just a festive occasion, but a reminder of sacrifice, sincerity and compassion,” he said.
Also in attendance were Sabah’s Minister for Rural Development Datuk Jahid Jahim, Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, and several senior federal and state officials. - June 5, 2025