KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) executive secretary Datuk Mohamed Razali Mohamed Razi has hinted at the possibility of contesting the Darau state seat in the upcoming Sabah elections.
Speaking to reporters after welcoming 250 former Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Sabah members into Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) on Friday, he responded with two thumbs up and a smile when asked about the matter.
More affectionately known as “Bob,” Mohamed Razali, who is also Gagasan Rakyat Darau chief, said the division has been working on the ground for more than three years.
“We are ready, more than ever. Our machinery is in place and preparations are complete,” he said at Dewan Serbaguna Koperasi Yayasan Sabah (KPYSB) in Darau.
Mohamed Razali however declined to reveal his campaign promises just yet, adding that his manifesto would be announced at the right time to prevent others from pinching his ideas.
He also expressed confidence that the growing support for GRS would further strengthen the coalition’s position ahead of the state election, the results of which will be known on November 29.
“The people believe in our consistency. We walk the talk. The public wants to see results, not rhetoric,” he said.
Other names said to be eyeing the Darau state seat include its Parti Warisan (Warisan) incumbent Azhar Matussin and Nabalu News chief editor/United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Sepanggar Youth chief Fardy Bungga.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Razali dismissed allegations that Gagasan Rakyat had enticed members of other parties with money to cross over.
He said the defection of more than 200 STARSabah members — including the division’s former women and youth chiefs — was described as a move made voluntarily and without any monetary inducement.
He stressed that such movements should not be viewed as poaching but rather as part of a “hijrah” or migration in pursuit of better leadership and stability.
“They joined us because they believe in this home that is GRS and the leadership of caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. There was no offer of money or positions.
“There is no ‘stealing’ in this regard. ‘Hijrah’ itself is already a word that brings good meaning,” he said.
Former STARSabah Darau Wiranita chief Nollyzai Datuk Awang Sham, who led her division’s entry into Gagasan Rakyat, concurred with the statement, adding that she has faith in Mohamed Razali’s commitment to serving the people of Darau.
“Our migration to Gagasan Rakyat is sincere and of our own will. Plus, we joined as normal party members and were not offered any positions,” she said.
STARSabah president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan on October 27 had sounded the alarm over what he described as the return of “money politics” in Sabah ahead of the coming state election.
Speaking to reporters, Jeffrey revealed that STARSabah had received reports of party leaders being pressured to resign in exchange for money
Jeffrey said similar tactics have been reported in at least two areas, claiming the intent was to cripple STARSabah. — The Borneo Post
