KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has not yet finalized its stance on whether to contest in the upcoming by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state assembly, scheduled for January 24.
GRS likely to skip Kinabatangan, Lamag by elections – Hajiji
Sabah Chief Minister and GRS Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said that discussions regarding both seats are still ongoing within the coalition, although initial indications suggest that GRS may not field candidates.
“That is what we will discuss. It is not confirmed yet, but in principle, we will give way,” he told reporters after the Sabah State Assembly meeting today.
Hajiji mentioned that any final decision will be made through negotiations and consensus among all component parties, considering the interests of the people and the stability of the state administration.
“So far, it is likely that we will not contest. We will honor and give way to the party that previously won, as they are also part of the state government,” he said.
He also informed that GRS is ready to assist its coalition partners in the state government for the by-elections if the decision not to contest is finalized.
However, Hajiji emphasized that a final decision has not yet been made as several matters need to be discussed, including further negotiations with the President of Umno and the Chairman of Barisan Nasional (BN).
The by-elections for the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state assembly are being held due to an unexpected vacancy following the passing of the incumbent, the late Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin, who recently passed away.
