The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition has decided that negotiations on seat allocation for the upcoming State Election (PRN) will not commence until the appropriate time approaches, according to GRS Deputy Secretary General, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Speaking to reporters after the Annual Meeting of the Sabah People's Idea Party (Gagasan Rakyat) on Thursday, Armizan made it clear that GRS’s current focus is on governance and addressing key issues that impact the people of Sabah. GRS, which leads the state government, still has about a year remaining in its mandate, and the coalition intends to make the most of this period by tackling pressing concerns.
“So far, we haven’t even begun to discuss seat distribution for the Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly). Right now, our primary focus is resolving issues that matter to the people of Sabah,” said Armizan. He added that the coalition is dedicated to advancing the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, a blueprint aimed at ensuring Sabah's progress in key sectors.
One of the most significant challenges facing the GRS administration is tackling long-standing infrastructure issues in the state, especially the water supply crisis. Armizan acknowledged that the state is grappling with various "legacy" issues, including the decades-old water supply problem that has plagued Sabah.
“Sabah is dealing with various legacy issues, particularly with our water infrastructure. We are already taking steps, formulating strategies, and implementing solutions to address these challenges. It’s not just planning on paper; we’ve initiated projects to improve the situation,” he said.
According to Armizan, the water supply project has already started, with on-ground implementation underway to ensure that the people of Sabah experience real, tangible improvements in their daily lives.
With the State Election still a year away, Armizan emphasized that GRS’s top priority is governance. The coalition is committed to fulfilling the mandate it was given by the people, using the remaining time to solve critical issues affecting the state.
“At this stage, we assure the people that our focus is on fulfilling the mandate as effectively as possible. Our governance is geared toward resolving the issues that have been left unattended for too long. From water infrastructure to economic development, we are addressing these challenges head-on,” he said.
Armizan’s remarks reflect a strategic approach by GRS, which appears determined to strengthen its governance record before turning its attention to election preparations. By postponing seat allocation negotiations, the coalition hopes to consolidate its achievements and improve its standing with voters.
The event where Armizan made these comments was the Annual Meeting of the Sabah People's Idea Party (Gagasan Rakyat), a key component of the GRS coalition. Gagasan Rakyat is one of several parties that make up GRS, alongside the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Sabah Party (PBS), Tanah Airku Solidarity Party (STAR), United Sabah National Organization (USNO), Sabah People's Hope Party (PHRS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Sabah Love Party (PCS).
As a coalition, GRS comprises a diverse range of political entities, each representing various segments of Sabah’s population. Despite the complexity of managing such a broad alliance, GRS has maintained a unified approach to governance. Armizan’s statement underscores the coalition’s commitment to ensuring that all parties within GRS work together to address the pressing needs of the state.
Though seat allocation discussions are postponed, the State Election is undoubtedly on the horizon. Armizan indicated that GRS will begin negotiating seat distribution when the time is right, likely as the election date draws closer. For now, however, the coalition’s strategy is to concentrate on governance and the successful implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda.
“As we move forward, we will eventually start negotiating seat allocations for the PRN, but that will come in due time. Right now, we want to focus on delivering results for the people of Sabah. That’s our priority,” he said.
Armizan’s comments reflect GRS’s confidence that by concentrating on governance and addressing critical infrastructure and economic issues, the coalition can build a strong foundation ahead of the State Election. By focusing on improving the lives of Sabah’s citizens, GRS hopes to solidify its position and gain public support in the upcoming election.
In conclusion, with about a year left in its mandate, GRS is focused on governance, with seat negotiations on hold. The coalition is committed to addressing the pressing concerns of Sabah's citizens, particularly the state's water infrastructure crisis. As the election approaches, GRS will eventually turn its attention to seat allocation, but for now, its priority remains solving the people’s issues and driving forward the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda.
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