Kota Kinabalu: The good relationship between PKR and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must be maintained in preparation for the 17th Sabah State Election, says Sabah PKR State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. Mustapha, who is also Deputy Minister of Higher Education, emphasized the importance of this alliance despite PKR’s decision to align with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the electoral contest.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha highlighted that informal discussions have taken place between PKR and GRS. He acknowledged that GRS is open to cooperation, although they have expressed their intention to contest independently if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and BN join forces. “We will let GRS decide,” Mustapha stated, underscoring the autonomy of GRS in making their electoral decisions.

Mustapha’s remarks were made during the launch of Sabah PKR’s state election machinery, an event officiated by PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and attended by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. This gathering marked a significant step in PKR’s preparation for the upcoming state election, highlighting the party’s strategic priorities.

Elaborating further, Mustapha noted that future discussions between PKR and GRS would adhere to the fundamental principles laid out by Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stressed the importance of maintaining administrative stability and fostering unity among Sabahans, drawing parallels to the current Unity Government model.