GRS is set to respect BN’s claim to the Lamag and Kinabatangan seats, with its chairman stating the coalition will pave the way and assist BN in the upcoming by-elections.
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will likely not contest the upcoming Lamag state and Kinabatangan parliamentary by-elections.
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said the coalition would, as a matter of principle, give way and respect Barisan Nasional (BN) as the party that originally won the seats.
“We will give respect to the party that won,” said Hajiji, who is also Sabah Chief Minister. “We will pave the way and assist them to win the by-election.”
He said this includes holding joint discussions with the top GRS leadership and BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to finalise the matter.
“That is what we want to discuss. But, as a matter of principle, we will give way,” he added when met by reporters outside the state assembly.
Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin had earlier stated talks would be held with GRS regarding the twin by-elections next month.
Jafry said the discussions are important as UMNO is part of the coalition that forms the Sabah State Unity Government together with GRS.
The Election Commission has set both by-elections for Jan 24, 2026, with nominations on Jan 10 and early voting on Jan 20.
The polls were triggered by the death of the incumbent, Bung Moktar, on Dec 5.
