Sabah PKR has called on Barisan Nasional (BN) to repair its strained relationship with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) before pushing forward with plans to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming state election.

Its Information chief Razeef Rakimin said they acknowledged BN’s decision to cooperate with PH for the 17th Sabah state election (PRN17), describing it as a positive step — but warned that unresolved tensions with GRS could undermine electoral preparations.

“In our view, BN needs to mend its relationship with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) because we do not want the friction between these two sides to cause PH to be caught in the middle and ultimately complicate our campaign machinery during the election,” he said. 

The statement came after Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin confirmed his coalition’s intention to partner with PH in the upcoming polls, following an internal UMNO retreat.

However, the whole stand of Sabah PH remains unclear.

While welcoming the move, Razeef said Sabah PKR stressed that any cooperation must be grounded in unity and mutual respect among all parties in the Unity Government.

“However, this cooperation must be formed without any conflict with other parties in the Unity Government,” Razeef said.

He added that BN could play a constructive role in Sabah’s development and also serve as a check and balance within the government — provided it aligns with the broader goals of the coalition.

“What is important here is how BN can act alongside PH and GRS in the Sabah government to develop the state, just as the Unity Government is doing at the federal level.”

“Our main priorities are the state’s economic and infrastructure development, as well as the welfare of the people.”

Sabah Umno withdrew their support to GRS leader Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in early 2023 and since then the two political groups are in a stalemate.

– April 14, 2025