KOTA KINABALU: Opposition Parti Warisan is invited to be the ninth member of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, if they are ready to share the coalition’s mission and vision for the good of the state and Sabahans, says Christoper Mandut.
In a personal view shared in a statement on Monday (Jan 6), the PBS Youth chief said GRS is ready to cooperate with any like-minded political party that shares aspirations to serve the people of Sabah and work towards a brighter future for the state.
“I believe Sabah would be better if all political parties, including the opposition Parti Warisan, set aside differences and prioritise unity.
“This will undoubtedly be a positive step towards a brighter future for Sabah,” he said.
Mandut made this remark following a seemingly “surprise” statement by Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who claimed that the party had repeatedly offered to cooperate with GRS, but there had been no progress to date.
“Honestly, this is the first time we have heard of this sincere intention, as what we have often heard from his side are criticisms towards GRS.
“In fact, not long ago, Warisan seemed more inclined to cooperate with Umno. However, if Warisan is now genuinely ready to open a new chapter for the benefit of Sabah, we welcome this intention,” Mandut added.
GRS, which consists of eight component parties, all rooted in Sabah, has always prioritised unity for the well-being of the people and the development of the state.
“If Warisan is serious about joining this cause, we invite them to submit an official application to become part of the GRS family. This application will be brought to the GRS Supreme Council for discussion with professionalism and an open-minded spirit.
“We believe that if all parties set aside differences and prioritise unity, it will be a positive step towards a brighter future for Sabah,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked about discussions regarding Warisan's potential collaboration with GRS ahead of the upcoming state election, Shafie dismissed it, saying, "That's just talk... everyone is talking."
He noted that while there have been talks of working with local political parties, some have expressed unwillingness to collaborate with Warisan.
