KOTA KINABALU: Political stability in Sabah can only be achieved when the state is given priority, said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
“Every party in the coalitions, or even in the national coalitions – we need to put Sabah first,” he said.
“Much comparison has been made between Sabah, Sarawak, and other states. I think we need to understand that Sarawak prospered, and it is prospering, simply because it has enjoyed political stability from day one.
Masidi, who also serves as the state finance minister, said the fact that Sarawak has had just six chief ministers while Sabah has had 16 highlights the latter’s political instability, which has hampered its economic focus.
He was speaking to reporters after delivering the Sabah chief minister’s speech at the opening of the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025 at a hotel here.
On seat negotiations between GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH), Masidi said there was no urgency.
“Within GRS, we eventually need to put up a candidate who has the best chance to win. I think that is irrespective of which party in GRS he comes from. That should be the overriding consideration—winning the seat.
“We have a very good relationship with PH. When the time comes, we will sit down nicely, have a coffee, and discuss it.”
GRS comprises eight component parties: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Parti Cinta Sabah, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, United Sabah Nasional Organisation, Liberal Democratic Party, and Sabah Progressive Party.
Commenting on the “Black Wave” movement led by Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda, which is pushing for independent candidates to contest at least 10 of the 73 state seats, Masidi said Malaysia is a democratic nation.
“Everyone is welcome to contest. For us, whether you are black, white, green, or brown, meet you at the nomination centre,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
