Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR welcomed Barisan Nasional’s move to join forces with Pakatan Harapan for the upcoming state election — but warned that unresolved tensions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could undermine the Unity Government’s campaign efforts.
This follows Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s announcement after a recent Umno Sabah retreat that the coalition would partner with Sabah PH for the 17th state election (PRN17).
Sabah PKR Information Chief Razeef Rakimin said the move reflects a positive step forward as the parties prepare for PRN17 under the Unity Government framework.
“In principle, Sabah PKR and PH are open to cooperating with partners in the Unity Government,” he said.
“There has already been an informal meeting between PH and Sabah BN. However, we hope this cooperation will not create conflict with other parties within the Unity Government.”
He said the informal meeting took place on Nov 5 last year at Magellan Sutera, with both Sabah PH and Sabah BN agreeing to establish communication channels to streamline cooperation ahead of the state election.
According to Razeef, the meeting was held following his public call for BN to sit down and discuss potential collaboration, stressing that Sabah-level decisions must involve Sabah leaders.
He said Sabah PKR had not received any formal or informal invitation for discussions, adding that the state chapter, which operates with autonomy, should not be bypassed.
“If BN wants to collaborate, they should come and meet us — not just discuss at the top,” he had said in a press conference on Nov 2.
He also reminded that Sabah PKR knows best who it should work with on the ground, and any agreements would be relayed to the party president after State-level consensus is reached.
Among those present at the Nov 5 meeting were Bung, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) President Datuk Arthur Kurup, PH Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Sabah PKR Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Upko Deputy President Datuk Donald Mojuntin and DAP’s Jannie Lasimbang.
Razeef said unresolved friction between BN and GRS could complicate election coordination, particularly for PH, which risks being caught in the middle.
“BN should work on mending its relationship with GRS. We don’t want any rift between the two to affect PH’s preparations or campaign machinery,” he said.
He added that BN could still play a vital role in the state administration and contribute meaningfully to Sabah’s development while maintaining its function as a check-and-balance component.
“What matters most is how BN, PH and GRS can work together to rebuild the State — just like how the Unity Government is doing at the federal level. The focus must remain on economic development, infrastructure and the people’s welfare.”
Sabah PKR Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud had also said on Nov 6 that the party was open to exploring cooperation to strengthen the Madani government ahead of the state election.