Sincere Political Cooperation in grassroots level necessary

18 February 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

PENAMPANG: The cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and GRS is evident at the upper and government levels, according to United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick.

However, he highlighted the need to strengthen this cooperation at the district and grassroots levels to ensure a genuine alliance.

Ewon’s comments were made in response to Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the GRS Secretary General, who expressed his desire for the coalition between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and GRS to continue in the upcoming elections. While the GRS leadership has yet to discuss this matter, Armizan shared his views on the statement.

"I appreciate Datuk Armizan's statement regarding the cooperation between GRS and Pakatan. I hope that this collaboration will continue to be implemented at the national government level. Several aspects of this cooperation need to be addressed, particularly the sharing of political appointments and resolutions from the components."

“As the President of UPKO and a member of the Pakatan President's Council, I strongly believe that there needs to be a fresh and open discussion regarding these subjects as well as allocation of election seats for the upcoming election,” he said.

“It is crucial that no party assumes elected representatives who have switched parties automatically belong to their new party. Instead, new discussions about this matter should be conducted.”

He stressed that the political landscape has undergone significant changes since the 2020 election, with different alliances and coalitions forming. Therefore, new discussions must take place, particularly when it comes to seat distribution.

“This type of political cooperation is what I advocate for, and as long as these conditions are met, I wholeheartedly support and welcome the extended cooperation from GRS. However, it is of utmost importance that this cooperation is meaningful and genuine. The true sincerity of this collaboration can only be assessed at the grassroots level.”

“As a representative of Pakatan Harapan Sabah, I must honestly acknowledge that we have yet to witness the cooperation at the district level. The authenticity of this partnership, which began last year, during the political crisis, is determined by the grassroots and local communities. I support and welcome the cooperation extended by GRS. This cooperation started when I defended the Chief Minister (Datuk Hajiji Noor) during the political crisis early last year, that's my commitment to defend and support him at that time, but this must translate into real cooperation.”

“I entrust the Chief Minister, the state government, and the two representatives of Pakatan Harapan in the cabinet to ensure that this cooperation is effectively translated at the grassroots level. It is crucial that this collaboration extends beyond the upper echelons and reaches all levels of society.”

He said this to reporters after launching a Chinese New Year celebration by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penampang. During the event, he distributed school bags and ang pao to pupils from several schools in the district.