GRS grassroots want straight fight with Barisan in Sabah polls, claims Armizan

KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) grassroots members want a straight fight against Barisan Nasional in the upcoming state election, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said this was the sentiment of members, who want the coalitions to go head-to-head without relying on vote-sharing strategies or alliances.

“Many GRS members and supporters believe a direct contest with Barisan would allow the people to decide clearly, without claims that Party A only won because of Party B’s support,” said the Papar MP after officiating the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah annual general meeting in Kampung Kaguraan, Kota Belud, on Saturday (June 14).

He was responding to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s recent suggestion for Barisan and GRS to go separate ways in the next polls.

Armizan welcomed the idea, saying it gives voters the freedom to decide who should govern the state but said this was a personal opinion and not GRS’ official position.

He stressed that Bung Moktar’s intention should be respected without sidelining his position as the leader of Sabah Barisan and Umno chief with autonomous authority.

However, he said GRS remains open to continued cooperation with Pakatan Harapan at state level, in line with the position of Sabah Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.