Kota Kinabalu: Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia praised Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a “brilliant political strategy” for Sabah, urging local leaders to move past outdated political mindsets rooted in the 1985 era.
Speaking at the GRS machinery launch here on Sunday, Pandikar reflected on his own journey, referring to sentiments he expressed in his 2017 book “Berpisah Tiada”, where he emphasised the indivisibility of Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia.
“In the past, working with leaders or parties from the peninsula was seen as betrayal. I was once called a traitor, ‘pengkhianat baruah KL’.
“But when I look back, I realise we must put the well-being of the people of Sabah first, not just our feelings,” he said.
He criticised the return of old political narratives, particularly the “1985 spirit” often championed by leaders like Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, when a newly-formed Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) defeated Berjaya.
“What Jeffrey is doing today is reminiscent of PBS in 1985 where justice for one was seen as justice for all.
“But let’s not forget, it also opened the door for Umno to enter Sabah. It created a political catastrophe,” he warned.
Pandikar lauded Chief Minister and Gagasan Rakyat President Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for his long-term political vision through the formation of GRS.
“Hajiji reversed the political current. He broke away from parties dominated by peninsular interests, united Sabah leaders, and formed a local party that now governs the state. That is political maturity,” he said.
He noted the involvement of prominent Sabah figures like Tan Sri Yong Teck Lee and Datuk Seri Anifah Aman in shaping the GRS platform, but lamented that some still cling to outdated strategies.
“Hajiji’s maturity is not fully appreciated by his peers. Some, like Jeffrey and my ‘sifu’ Yong, still bring that 1985 spirit,” he said.
Referring to GRS’ five years in power, Pandikar stressed that the coalition has proven its ability to govern independently.
“If needed, we can go solo. But in life, it’s not always about going alone. We must work together.”In a light moment, he told Gagasan Rakyat Beliawanis Chief, Emmie Martin Idang, “So miss moderator, don’t go solo for too long,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Pandikar also called on the party to adopt more aggressive and offensive strategies in political messaging.
He urged Sabahans to reject divisive narratives and continue building a united, locally driven government for the state.
“The people may not want facts, but they resonate with emotional rhetoric, something leaders like Warisan’s Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal have mastered.”
