KOTA KINABALU, Nov 10 — Three Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-linked figures contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner have downplayed concerns over cross-coalition candidacies, describing the arrangement as a reflection of mutual cooperation between party leaderships.
PGRS Karamunting division chief Datuk George Hiew, PGRS Melalap chief Datuk Jamawi Jaafar and Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa — all associated with GRS — said their nominations were made through an understanding between both coalitions to strengthen political stability ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.
The trio’s cross-coalition nominations have been described by some observers and grassroots members as “loaned” candidacies, though all three have rejected the term, insisting the decision was made collectively by coalition leaders.
Pakatan Harapan’s Karamunting candidate Datuk George Hiew, who is also the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Karamunting division chief. — Picture via Twitter/Bernama
Karamunting incumbent assemblyman Hiew said his candidacy under PKR was part of an agreed seat arrangement between the coalition leaders to consolidate their hold on the state and support the federal administration.
“This is a collaboration between GRS and PH,” he said. “When we discussed, this was the decision I had to follow because we work together. GRS has claimed this seat before, but I respect PH and our focus is to strengthen the current government.”
Hiew, a two-term assemblyman who contested and won under Parti Warisan in 2020, said both Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor — who is president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) and GRS chairman — had given him their blessings.
“I met him two days ago and he gave his support. For me, what’s important is to keep Sabah and the federal government stable. That’s the priority,” he said.
When asked why he could not defend his seat as a GRS assemblyman, Hiew said it was the result of seat negotiations where PH was to contest Karamunting, but both coalitions’ leadership agreed that he would be the candidate.
PH’s Melalap candidate Datuk Jamawi Jaafar (right), formerly the Kemabong assemblyman and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Melalap division chief. — Picture courtesy of Jamawi Jaafar
Meanwhile, in Melalap, former assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jaafar also defended his selection, saying it followed extensive negotiations between GRS and PH since September.
“The process was very thorough and done with mutual respect,” he said. “It’s better this way, so there are no negative perceptions or accusations of betrayal.”
Jamawi, a former Umno assemblyman who had briefly joined Warisan before rejoining Umno and later GRS in 2023, dismissed claims that he was a “parachute candidate”, stressing that his selection was endorsed by both PH and GRS leaders in Melalap.
“There’s no issue. For a parachute candidate, you would not get the support of the branch head, but here my branch head is my biggest supporter. GRS was supportive too — all party wings were involved,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yamani, who will contest the Sindumin seat, admitted he was surprised by his nomination under PKR but described it as an honour made possible through collaboration and trust.
The eldest son of Sabah Governor and former chief minister Tun Musa Aman, Yamani said his candidacy was backed by his branch leadership.
“Without him, I wouldn’t have been a candidate,” said the former Sipitang MP.
He called the move a show of “farsightedness and vision for building a better Sindumin,” and stressed that unity among grassroots members was key.
“People in the branches have sacrificed for over 20 years. We must prioritise them first and then unite with others. If we all come together and work as one, we have a real chance,” he said.
Their inclusion had reportedly sparked unease among several PKR grassroots leaders, who questioned the central leadership’s decision to nominate “outsiders” instead of promoting long-time party members.
