KOTA KINABALU: With a fresh leadership in place, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is optimistic that Sabah Pakatan Harapan aligns closely with its principles and aspirations.
GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that Sabah Pakatan operates through collective decision-making, which is similar to the ruling coalition.
"We all work and decide on consensus," he told The Star when commenting on Sabah Pakatan’s newly formed leadership team, headed by chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, the president of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
Ewon, who narrowly secured the position by three votes, will lead Sabah Pakatan for the 2024-2026 term after ousting three-term chairman Datuk Seri Christina Liew at their annual general meeting on Sunday (Dec 1).
Liew had held the position for seven years, starting in 2017.
Masidi previously stated that GRS is in no rush to discuss seat allocations with Sabah Pakatan as the two coalitions share a strong mutual understanding and cooperation.
"The matter of seat allocations is straightforward and revolves more around accommodating the cultures and aspirations of GRS component parties," said Masidi, who is also the Finance Minister, adding that discussions would only take place after the Sabah Legislative Assembly is dissolved.
GRS, a coalition of state-based political parties, includes Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), and Harapan Sabah.
The coalition is preparing for the state election, which must be held by September next year.
Meanwhile, Benedick, who leads the four parties within the coalition - Upko, Sabah PKR, Sabah DAP, and Parti Amanah Negara Sabah - plans to convene the Sabah Pakatan Council later this month.
The meeting will focus on election readiness and ensuring that the Unity Government delivers on Sabah’s development needs and constitutional rights to secure a better future.
It was previously reported that Sabah Pakatan is nearing completion of its seat allocation process, with plans to finalise it by the end of the year.
