Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has hinted it may contest the coming state election solo again following signs that Sabah is heading into a crowded and unpredictable race.

GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the coalition must be ready for any outcome — including going solo, adding that there’s a possibility for a free-for-all state election. 

“The Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has made this clear. We must be prepared,” he said at a meet-the-people session in Kg Tibabar near Kota Kinabalu.

His remarks also came in view of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) signing an electoral pact to work together in the upcoming Sabah election.  

The pact was widely seen as sidelining GRS and could lead to overlapping candidacies.

Joniston said a free-for-all might allow Sabahans to choose more clearly.

“It could be a blessing. The people can decide — do they want Sabah-led parties or ones controlled from Kuala Lumpur?” he said.

Joniston, who is also the PBS information chief and Kiulu assemblyman, said GRS is not against the federal government.

“We work well with Putrajaya. But Sabah must lead itself. That’s the core of our belief,” he said.

He pointed to GRS’s track record. Under its rule, Sabah’s federal grant rose from RM53 million to RM600 million. The state also signed a deal with Petronas that helped increase revenue.

“Sabah’s income has reached RM6.9 billion. Reserves are close to RM8 billion. These are results,” he said.

Joniston also recalled the failed attempt to topple Hajiji in January 2023. The move involved Warisan, BN and Parti KDM.

“That wasn’t about leadership. It was about power and control,” he said. “And it hurt Sabah.”

He urged voters to choose wisely in the coming election.

“Don’t fall for political games. Choose steady leadership. Choose progress, not chaos,” he said. – May 21, 2025