GRS must heal from within, says Kitingan

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah STAR has cautioned against junior political figures publicly criticising senior coalition leaders, calling such behaviour irresponsible and harmful to the integrity of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

Its president, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, called the conduct “unacceptable” and said all internal matters should be addressed through the proper channel, the GRS Leadership Council.

“This is not how responsible coalitions function. Criticism must be raised internally, not aired in the public domain,” he said in a statement on Monday (May 5).

He said GRS must commit to regular leadership meetings to address concerns and make resolutions collectively.

Kitingan was responding to recent remarks made by United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, who voiced dissatisfaction with the coalition’s current state. Kitingan stated that Pandikar’s concerns were valid and should not be taken lightly.

“He is a senior figure who has served Sabah with distinction. His concerns deserve serious consideration,” Kitingan said.

He added that GRS, which comprises eight component parties, must improve its operations as a coalition.

“Every component party, whether or not it holds seats, deserves to be heard and treated with dignity,” he said.

Kitingan also said that GRS’s political direction, especially regarding federal alignment, must be made clear before the upcoming state election.

“Are we entering PRN17 as a fully Sabah-based coalition contesting all 73 seats, or will we align with a federal partner?” he said.

Kitingan suggests several steps, including holding regular GRS Leadership Council meetings, clearly assigning or rotating responsibilities among all parties, establishing a definitive stance on federal alliances ahead of PRN17, and organising a Sabah Unity Meeting involving all local parties to discuss broader cooperation and efforts to reduce the state’s political dependence on Putrajaya.

“We must return to the original spirit of GRS, to unite all Sabah-based parties under one roof. Our slogan, Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga (Our Home, We Take Care).”

In addition to Sabah STAR and Usno, the other six GRS component parties are Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Liberal Democratic Party, Parti Cinta Sabah, and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.