KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) supports the unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says party secretary general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
He said that GRS urges all parties to put aside political differences and focus on restoring the economy.
Masidi added that Sabah's ruling state coalition government is very clear on its support for Anwar, as they feel comfortable with the unity government.
"Frankly, I say we (GRS) feel comfortable under this unity government because we feel valued, and every member is seen as important.
"For GRS, our focus should be on economic recovery, this is important because many people's lives are affected by the uncertain situation at the moment," said Masidi.
He said this when speaking to media at the joint Christmas celebrations by two GRS component parties Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR at the Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazandusun Cultural Association ( KDCA) near here on Tuesday (Dec 26).
Masidi said that it is important for all parties to "temporarily forget" all petty political differences and focus on unifying all efforts towards restoring the economy.
The state Finance Minister said this when commenting on Anwar's statement that Sabah and Sarawak are fully backing his unity government amidst efforts by opponents to attempt to change the federal government.
Masidi said that the economy needs to be fixed as then the government will be able to unite people across various religious, ethnic and cultural beliefs.
"Malaysia is seen as a country that is considered relatively good compared to other developing countries," he added.
On a question of whether GRS might consider teaming up with Malay parties from Peninsular Malaysia in the next state polls, Masidi said political cooperation based on race and religion in Sabah is not a priority if the state wants to continue to progress.
"If we look and listen to the pulse of the people, they are fed up with the problems and conflicts of race. If we look at the GRS and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), we find that it is a coalition and a multi-racial party," he said.
Earlier, Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin joined in the Christmas open house that was attended by state leaders. Among those present were Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and PBS founding president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
PBS deputy presidents Datuk Jahid Jahim and Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai were also present.
PBS and Sabah STAR, who are both GRS components, held the joint open house as part of their efforts to work together in native seats in the coming state election.
