UPKO’s inclusion bolsters GRS, says political activist Zaki Susanto

TAWAU: The integration of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organization (UPKO) into the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition is widely viewed as a constructive step, potentially enhancing the alliance’s standing ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).

Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto, a political activist, noted that this development highlights local parties’ willingness to move past differences and build broader unity in advancing Sabah’s interests and rights.

He explained that UPKO’s entry not only boosts GRS’s political backing but also extends the coalition’s reach in regions where the party maintains a strong grassroots presence.

“This is a significant and encouraging shift in Sabah’s political environment,” he said.

“UPKO brings valuable experience, established leadership, and community-level networks that enrich the coalition.”

“More crucially, it underscores local parties’ determination to unite under a shared platform to more effectively push for regional development and safeguard Sabah’s autonomy,” he added in an interview today.

Zaki observed that Sabahans are increasingly prioritising political stability, and the consolidation of more local parties within GRS could reinforce public confidence in the state’s governance.

On the departure of the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) from GRS, he suggested the move is unlikely to seriously weaken the coalition.

While acknowledging each party’s right to chart its own course, he emphasised that a coalition’s strength lies in its collective foundation, not in any single member.

“Today, GRS has evolved into a more structured and resilient alliance, backed by several parties with distinct strengths across different constituencies,” he said.

“As such, USNO’s exit should not be seen as a threat to GRS’s stability or momentum,” he noted.

Moreover, UPKO’s entry may help counterbalance perceptions created by USNO’s withdrawal, reinforcing the idea that GRS remains an attractive vehicle for parties committed to local causes.

“Politics is inherently fluid,” Zaki remarked. “What matters most is a coalition’s ability to adapt, gain support, and stay focused on public interests.”

“In this light, UPKO’s involvement shows that GRS remains relevant, open, and capable of serving as a unifying force in Sabah’s political landscape,” he added.