Upko Calls for Manifestation of Pakatan-GRS Cooperation at Grassroots Level

Upko has expressed its support for Pakatan Harapan and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) being partners in the next state election. However, the party emphasizes that this cooperation should already be evident at the grassroots level.

Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Kadamaian assemblyman, stated that there are many aspects of the Pakatan-GRS cooperation that still need to be realized. He welcomed remarks by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali about the partnership being implemented at the state government level but stressed the importance of tangible cooperation, particularly in the sharing of political appointments and support from the state government for resolutions from Pakatan component parties.

Armizan had expressed his desire for the current unity between GRS and Pakatan to continue into the upcoming state polls, scheduled for September 2025. He highlighted that the current Sabah government is a unity government mainly comprised of the GRS-Pakatan plus coalition. He also acknowledged the support of Pakatan assemblymen and representatives from other parties for Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's continuation as Chief Minister.

However, Benedick noted that no genuine cooperation has been visible between GRS and Sabah Pakatan, especially at the grassroots level. He emphasized that the grassroots would ultimately judge the sincerity of the cooperation, which began last year.

Benedick left the matter to the Chief Minister and the state government, including the two Sabah Pakatan representatives in the state Cabinet. Regarding seat sharing in the state polls, he called for fresh discussions on seat distribution. He disagreed with the notion that a party could claim certain seats because their assemblymen, who had previously switched parties, were the incumbents.

He emphasized the need for a detailed assessment and fresh talks on seat distribution, citing the differences between the 2020 Sabah election and the current scenario.

Benedick's stance on seat distribution reflects the complexity of political alliances and the evolving landscape of Sabah's political scene. His call for genuine cooperation and fair seat distribution underscores the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.

As the state election approaches, it is crucial for political parties to engage meaningfully at all levels, from grassroots to state government, to ensure a cohesive and effective governance framework. The success of the Pakatan-GRS partnership hinges on its ability to translate political rhetoric into tangible actions that benefit the people of Sabah.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on how these alliances evolve and how they impact the political landscape in Sabah. The unity government formed by GRS and Pakatan represents a unique experiment in Malaysian politics, and its success or failure will have far-reaching implications for the state and the nation as a whole.

The upcoming state election will be a litmus test for the Pakatan-GRS partnership and its ability to deliver on its promises. The cooperation between these two political entities has the potential to shape the future of Sabah's governance and set a precedent for collaborative politics in Malaysia.

As the election draws nearer, the focus should be on building trust and consensus among all stakeholders. This includes not only the political parties involved but also the voters and the broader community. Transparent and inclusive decision-making processes will be key to ensuring that the interests of all Sabahans are represented and protected.

Ultimately, the success of the Pakatan-GRS partnership will depend on its ability to address the concerns and aspirations of the people. By working together in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, these parties can forge a new path for Sabah and set an example for the rest of Malaysia to follow.

Zulaikha Farhana is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

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