Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has sought to present a united front within the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, following growing unease among smaller parties ahead of the looming state election.

The GRS chairman hosted a three-hour closed-door meeting with all seven party presidents at his official residence in Sri Gaya on Wednesday.

Described as a cordial high-tea session, the gathering came days after United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia publicly accused the coalition leadership of marginalising his party.

In a statement issued through the Chief Minister’s Office on Wednesday night, Hajiji said: “All presidents had pledged to ensure GRS’s victory in the coming elections. I appreciate their views and opinions. They are all mature political leaders who understand the importance of GRS as a united front going into the elections.”

Also present were Parti Bersatu Sabah Acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Parti Cinta Sabah leader Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin, and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah. Gagasan Rakyat deputy president Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun also attended.

Although Pandikar’s criticisms were not directly addressed in the statement, the meeting is widely seen as an effort to ease tensions and shore up cohesion ahead of what is expected to be a closely fought state election.

Both Jeffrey and Yong had earlier spoken out in defence of Pandikar following his remarks.

USNO and other smaller component parties have, in recent weeks, expressed concerns over their limited role in policy-making and representation within GRS.

In an interview with The Vibes, Pandikar described USNO as being treated like a mere “ornamental” presence, warning that GRS risked being dominated by a few powerful figures. – May 7, 2025