KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the deputy secretary-general of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, has expressed his support for Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin’s call for GRS to compete against Barisan Nasional in the forthcoming Sabah state election.
Armizan stated that Bung’s desire for GRS-BN collaboration to be discussed only after the state election is “reasonable” and ought to be respected.
“Only by competing directly can we resolve the question of who betrayed whom and who truly has the support,” he mentioned in a statement today.
“There will be no further claims that a candidate from Party A succeeded solely due to Party B’s support, and vice versa.”
Armizan, who also serves as the domestic trade and cost of living minister, clarified that this is his personal opinion and not an official stance of GRS.
He was reacting to Bung’s comments made on June 3, suggesting that talks about electoral cooperation should be postponed until after the state election.
Armizan noted that GRS, in principle, remains open to collaborating with Pakatan Harapan, its current ally in the Sabah government.
He also acknowledged PH for emphasizing political stability by rejecting the “Kinabalu Move” and opting to support Hajiji Noor in continuing as chief minister.
“I believe the current state government is operating effectively under the existing partnership.
According to the feedback and sentiments from GRS grassroots leaders and supporters, they appear eager to confront BN directly,” he stated.
Armizan further remarked that the establishment of the federal unity government should not be viewed as an obstacle to contests at the state level.
