KOTA KINABALU: The official formation of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is something that has the full support of the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) at the national level, especially with Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor helming the state.

       When asked whether the party’s original direction might be sidelined with such localised coalitions, Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (pic) said it was a common rule that those at the state level can have a bloc to benefit its people, like Sabah.

       “In fact, I am here at this Bersatu information roadshow to exchange ideas with the machinery in all divisions, not only to share the latest political information with leaders in Sabah,” said Wan Saiful.

       “But, at the same time, I want to collect information and learn from our political leaders in Sabah, as it is a state where Bersatu helms the state government,” he added when speaking to reporters at a Bersatu gathering at the state capital on Saturday (June 4) night.

       He said the party’s central leadership has full confidence in Hajiji’s capability to lead and understand the current situation in Sabah, so that they were able to offer the best for the people.

       “This is a model where at the federal level, we might have issues that make us explore different coalitions or pacts, but at the local or state level, they can have a bloc that benefits Sabah and its people.

       “There is no issue at all, in fact we congratulate and praise what is being done in Sabah. The GRS coalition shows that Hajiji puts the interests of the people at the forefront,” said Wan Saiful.

       Meanwhile, he said Kota Kinabalu was the fourth stop during the roadshow and they are visiting Beaufort on Sunday (June 5).

       When asked about the role of women in Bersatu, especially in coming elections, Wan Saiful said the gathering with Sabah Bersatu Srikandi revealed that the women's wing here was very excited to work as part of the party’s machinery.

       “The role of women is important, that is why the party is not shy when naming leaders from among them to play their role,” said Wan Saiful.

       “In Sabah, we let our leaders here decide when it comes to naming candidates, but we are aware the importance of the roles women play,” he added.