Cooperation with PH to Continue, GRS to Lead Government

27 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The collaboration between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH), which was formed following the failed attempt to topple the state government in January 2023, will be maintained as a genuine and enduring partnership.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is also Chairman of GRS, affirmed this, stating that the partnership reflects PH Sabah’s strong support during the political turmoil known as the Langkah Kinabalu (Kinabalu Move).

He said the GRS-PH alliance has since brought about much-needed political stability and development in Sabah, and it is only right that this cooperation continues given the benefits it has delivered.

“During the Kinabalu Move in January 2023, GRS was able to maintain the administration of the state government thanks to the firm backing of Pakatan Harapan.

“Since then, the solid GRS-PH partnership has proven capable of bringing stability and progress to Sabah. We will continue this genuine collaboration, which we believe can bring even greater benefits to the state.

“My deepest thanks go to the PH Sabah leaders who stood firmly with GRS,” he said during his keynote address at the Annual General Assembly of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Sunday.

In his speech, Hajiji also emphasised the importance of GRS as a strong local coalition in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Sabah, who want to see local parties leading the state’s political future.

“Indeed, our strength within GRS is one of the key prerequisites that can lead our party to a significant victory in the upcoming election.

“Beyond that, the unity and strength of GRS are also a guarantee that this local-based party will continue to lead and govern the state — as it is doing today, and, God willing, for decades to come.

“GRS, which was built upon the aspirations of the grassroots, will continue to promote a mature and inclusive political culture that respects diversity, upholds consensus, and prioritises stability and development,” he said.

Hajiji, who is also President of Gagasan Rakyat, expressed his gratitude and satisfaction with the strong cooperation and unity within the GRS coalition.

He said that during the recent PBS-STAR Convention, he witnessed the spirit of both parties’ members who were determined to ensure that Sabah continues to be led by local parties.

“PBS and STAR, both of which have their own strengths and influence, are key pillars in the foundation of our greater GRS coalition.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that PBS and STAR are not just sources of GRS’s strength, but also loyal comrades-in-arms who continue to provide unwavering support, insights, and advice — in line with their roles as key members in the GRS-PH state administration,” he said.

He also expressed similar appreciation for other GRS component parties, namely the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), the Sabah People's Hope Party (PHRS), the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).

He stressed that all GRS component parties play vital roles in uniting and strengthening GRS as the largest local political coalition in Sabah.