Four GRS Pillars a Vital Foundation for Strengthening Sabah’s Political Agenda

16 February 2026

KENINGAU: The statement by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali , emphasising the need for any party to return to the four core principles of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) before joining the coalition, has been described as a prudent step in strengthening Sabah’s local political agenda.

Former Permanent Chairman of STAR Bingkor Division, Yazid Mohd Hasnan Tawik @ Charles, said that the four key pillars — Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah Forward and Sabah United — constitute an essential foundation that must be understood and embraced by any party intending to join the component parties within the coalition.

According to him, these principles are not merely political slogans but serve as the primary guide to ensure that the interests of Sabah and its people remain prioritised in every policy and political struggle.

“Joining any GRS component party must be undertaken with sincerity and a genuine commitment to Sabah’s agenda, not merely driven by sentiment or short-term interests,” he said.

Yazid who is also Chairman of the Bingkor Community Welfare Association, made the remarks when commenting on Armizan’s statement that any party seeking to join GRS must firmly uphold the coalition’s four core principles.

In the meantime, he stressed that withdrawing support for GRS as elections approach, after having been accepted into the coalition, is inappropriate.

He said such actions could not only confuse the public but also potentially weaken efforts to strengthen local political unity.

“Sabah will be stronger if all parties championing the state’s agenda unite on the same platform and remain consistent in their struggle,” he added.

He also expressed confidence that local political unity will continue to be the main strength in ensuring that Sabah’s voice is respected and given due attention at the national level.