Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor says GRS remains strong despite several leaders leaving the coalition ahead of the state election
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remains strong despite several leaders leaving the coalition ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji stated that the decision of some individuals to switch parties or contest as independent candidates is their personal right, but it does not affect GRS’s strength in facing the election.
“GRS is still intact, still strong,” said Hajiji, who is also GRS chairman.
He emphasised that GRS’s main focus is ensuring political stability, continuity of the development agenda, and securing a clear mandate from Sabah’s people for another term.
Among leaders who have left GRS are incumbent Pintasan assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan, incumbent Petagas assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Sahari, and incumbent Kukusan assemblyman Datuk Rina Jainal.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah member Datuk Dr Roland Chia has also departed from the coalition.
Fairuz, Awang Ahmad Sah, and Rina are contesting to defend their seats as independent candidates.
Dr Chia is standing as an independent candidate in Inanam.
GRS is contesting 55 out of 73 seats in the upcoming election.
Thirty-three percent of GRS candidates are new faces.
Polling has been set for November 29, with early voting on November 25. – Bernama
