Benoni: Any party intending to join Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must firmly adhere to the coalition's four core principles, says its Deputy Secretary-General, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He emphasized that participation in the local-based coalition must be anchored on the principles of Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah Forward, and Sabah United, which have long been the pillars of GRS' struggle.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan clarified that this requirement applies not only to Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee but to any party wishing to join GRS. Speaking after the opening of a drive-through service at a fast-food restaurant in Benoni, he noted, 'I'm not just talking about (Datuk Seri) Ronald Kiandee, but any party that wants to join GRS, we must return to the four core principles of GRS. In my personal view, we must be open.'

Armizan addressed claims regarding Ronald Kiandee, who is also a Bersatu vice-president, potentially joining GRS. He stated that the matter remains speculative and has not been discussed by the coalition's component parties. Armizan remarked, 'As a senior politician, I do not think Datuk Seri Ronald would make a decision at this stage to join any party, not just GRS. However, to me, it is his right to determine his political direction.'

Furthermore, Armizan, who also serves as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, clarified that his comments were personal views and not representative of any GRS component party. This follows viral claims on social media that Ronald, also the Beluran MP, would join GRS, though no official confirmation has been provided.

The speculation comes amid a crisis within Bersatu after its Disciplinary Board expelled 17 members, including prominent figures such as Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and several MPs. Additionally, Bersatu's Lembah Pantai and Larut divisions recently announced their dissolution with immediate effect.