GRS rejects Anwar's BN pact, citing voter confusion and 'three-way love affair'

TONGOD - Gagasan Rakyat Vice President Datuk Masiung Banah has rejected Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s idea of forming a political pact between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election.

He made clear that a partnership involving BN was not feasible, stressing that it would confuse voters and undermine existing understandings between GRS and PH.

“It is impossible for an understanding to be reached because it will confuse voters. GRS and PH have already reached a consensus to continue their political collaboration,” he told reporters after meeting community leaders in Tongod on Monday.

Masiung pointed out that if such a three-way alliance were to materialise, GRS and Gagasan Rakyat would still refer to Anwar’s own statement made on May 11 in Tawau, where the Prime Minister had entrusted Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor with leading the seat negotiations.

GRS and PH, he said, have already developed a close and effective working relationship in governing the state. 

He was also firm in describing the proposed coalition with BN as a “three-way love affair” a relationship Gagasan Rakyat is not willing to enter.

“GRS and PH Sabah have already developed a strong political cooperation in managing the previous State Government administration.

“GRS has also lost trust in BN-Umno for previously betraying the alliance with GRS and PH through the ‘Langkah Kinabalu’ move,” he said.

Referring to the political manoeuvre known as Langkah Kinabalu, Masiung accused BN leaders of fanning hostility and undermining GRS since the incident.

“Since that event, which the party's leaders orchestrated, they have continued to stir animosity and belittle GRS using various tactics and strategies,” he added.

Masiung also highlighted that Umno-BN Sabah had already announced their decision not to work with GRS.

“We hope the Prime Minister respects our stance and honours his promise to leave the seat negotiation process in the hands of Hajiji, as the GRS Chairman, to manage discussions with coalition parties ahead of the State Election,” he said.