KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should consider registering itself as a political grouping, says former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.
He said GRS needs to act immediately by strengthening itself as a registered political entity to avoid clashes among themselves.
“The GRS coalition is effective because it involves the cooperation of national parties and local parties, where there is a clear structure and all have important roles.
“It seems that the people of Sabah prioritise political stability for more orderly development and prosperity. The (just concluded) Melaka election clearly shows this,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
GRS comprises Barisan Nasional which has four parties, Perikatan Nasional with five parties and Parti Bersatu Sabah.
The loose coalition formed the state government after ousting Warisan Plus in a snap election in September last year.
Salleh, who is Umno’s Usukan assemblyman, said the question now was how to avoid clashes among the coalitions in GRS which occurred in the Melaka election.
“The political situation of Sabah is different from that of Peninsular Malaysia. We cannot be ignorant in this matter.
“GRS leaders should discuss actions to empower the party (and) determine the direction for itself.
“GRS may consider opening up membership directly to other parties as well as individuals who wish to become regular GRS members,” Salled said, adding that this would ensure that the public would no longer be confused about GRS.
Salleh said there would be differences of opinions but for the future of Sabah, it was important to discuss the matter in an open, sensible and constructive manner.
“The state of Sabah is blessed with the wealth of nature and its multi-racial people who are known for their tolerance. Sabah has been around as an entity for the past 140 years, since Nov 1, 1881.
“To move Sabah forward, GRS needs to set aside polemical politics and keep our focus on working for the people and the state,” he said.