KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should first focus on the economy, development and the people’s well-being above other matters, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) had just gotten its mandate from the people over a year ago, and there were pressing issues to look into and prioritise on.

       As for former Parti Warisan vice-president, Datuk Peter Anthony’s wish to join the coalition after quitting Warisan and forming his own party, Hajiji said this is something that he personally supports.

       He said getting more support from other leaders towards GRS is what the state government wants all these while as well.

       “I welcome this support from Peter and his new party, as well as his wish to join GRS but all member parties in GRS must also feel the same,” he told reporters after an event in Kudat on Saturday (Feb 26).

       Hajiji said all decisions must be agreed upon together by all GRS members.

       On other matters, he gave his assurance that the GRS coalition will be registered as a single political entity soon.

       He said this is what all the GRS component parties want as well.

       Hajiji said becoming an officially registered entity would strengthen the coalition and at the same time foster better unity amongst member parties.

       GRS is made up of Sabah Barisan Nasional (Sabah Umno, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah PBRS, MCA and MIC); Sabah Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu Sabah, Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party SAPP, Sabah PAS, and Gerakan) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).