KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders have distanced themselves from any talk of contesting under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) logo for the upcoming state election.

This was after GRS deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan suggested that parties allied with the state’s ruling coalition might benefit from presenting a unified front.

However, Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Christina Liew remained non-committal when asked about Kitingan’s suggestion.

“Too early to tell, no decision yet. Focus now is serving the people,” said the Api-Api assemblyman in a brief text message.

State PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, meanwhile, dismissed Kitingan’s proposal as a personal opinion.

“For the record, PKR and Pakatan have yet to finalise the official partners for the 17th Sabah state election.

“So, the issue of the logo can only be considered after a formal announcement of the partnership,” he said when contacted.

The Deputy Higher Education Minister noted that while the possibility of collaborating with GRS for the state polls had not been ruled out due to positive relations between Pakatan and GRS leaders in the state administration, the primary focus remained on negotiating fair seat distribution.

“As the pillar of the Madani government, we also want to ensure the solidity of the central government and explore cooperation with component parties in the unity government.

“I wish to stress, however, that the main issue that should become the basis for negotiations on working together is the fair distribution of seats,” Mustapha said.

The Sepanggar MP added that the formula for the distribution of positions such as nominated assemblymen, key roles in government-linked companies and grassroots positions must also be part of the discussions.

Sabah DAP secretary Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe declined to engage in political discussions, saying his current priority was his role as the state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/01/sabah-pakatan-non-committal-on-using-grs-logo-in-state-polls