Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is expected to decide on Parti United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko)’s application to join the coalition during its Supreme Council meeting on June 18.
GRS Sec-Gen. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali is confident Upko would be welcomed into the ruling coalition fold, describing the party’s application as a positive step towards uniting Sabah-based political parties under a common platform.
He is now gathering additional information to prepare a consideration paper for the coalition’s highest decision-making body.
“Upko officially announced its application to become a component party of GRS on May 29 and submitted it to GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor through Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick, accompanied by the party’s top leadership.
“We see sincerity on Upko’s part because immediately after the previous state election, the party voluntarily supported Hajiji as the Chief Minister. This demonstrates their commitment to work together with GRS.
“Also, Upko is not a new party. It has a long political legacy, especially in championing Sabah’s rights and interests, which aligns closely with GRS’ objectives and goals,” he said.
Armizan said any party seeking to join GRS must be committed to the coalition’s four core principles — Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United.
Addressing concerns over Upko’s history of leaving political coalitions, including Pakatan Harapan, Armizan said the context behind past decisions should be taken into account.
“The important thing is to look at the basis of those decisions. If they were made to protect Sabah’s rights and interests, which are among GRS’ key objectives, then we should accept that consideration.”
