BERSATU leaders in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) have unanimously decided to quit the Muhyiddin Yassin-led party after considering the current political landscape, especially in Sabah, its chairman Hajiji Noor said.  

He said GRS-Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) has also taken the advice of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the formation of a unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for political stability and economic recovery. 

“This unanimous decision is in the interest of Sabah, for the unity and aspirations of the people for us to continue fighting under the auspices of a local party. 

“With this decision, we will use GRS to voice the interests of Sabah and the states of Borneo in Malaysia. 

“We believe this decision is the best for unity and political stability in Sabah,” he said in a statement today. 

The GRS-BN bloc has 13 lawmakers in parliament.

The move will not affect the seats of lawmakers as the state has not put up any anti-party hopping law. 

GRS initially combined with Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah to win the majority of seats in the 2020 state elections to form the government in Sabah.  

Upon registration, GRS consisted of four Sabah parties and one national party, namely Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), United Sabah Party (PBS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Bersatu Sabah, and United Sabah National Organisation (USNO Baru).  

Hajiji said, moving forward they would establish a new local party. However, for the time being, they would collectively be members of GRS. 

“We pledge to give full support to the unity government, and we are confident in the leadership and wisdom of Anwar to lead the country. 

“The direction of Sabah Maju Jaya which is implemented is also to ensure the recovery of Sabah’s economy as unity among the people continues. 

“It is a commitment we are with Sarawak as the Borneo Bloc to voice the aspirations of the people and to see that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 or MA63 will be fully implemented.” 

He said the decision of the leadership of Sabah Bersatu to leave the party was based on it being no longer tenable to maintain the status quo. 

“This is because Bersatu is in opposition while GRS has pledged support for the unity government. 

“Sabah wants political stability and unity.  

“We want to ensure momentum in the growth and development of Sabah and to see Sabah prosper in line with the mandate given to us in the last election.” 

Hajiji also expressed gratitude to Muhyiddin Yassin for his leadership of Bersatu throughout the period. – December 10, 2022.