"Immediate action required": Lim Guan Eng urges Home Ministry regarding Akmal Saleh and the controversial flag matter
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) Maintain Cooperation for Sabah State Election
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have confirmed an electoral pact for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. This partnership reflects ongoing cooperation within the current state administration, aiming to provide political and economic stability by maintaining a strong working relationship between the state government (GRS) and the federal government (led by PH).
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, GRS chairman and Sabah Chief Minister, confirmed the cooperation formula in July 2025. The agreement emphasizes the importance of stable political cooperation for governance and development. The current cooperation formula between GRS and PH is set to continue without major changes for the upcoming polls, with seat allocation discussions still ongoing.
PH is reportedly targeting between 23 and 25 seats in the state assembly. However, the exact seat allocation arrangement is still under negotiation, with fairness being a key consideration. It is worth noting that PH has formalized seat negotiations with Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) separately, but no direct talks have occurred between BN and GRS.
Some local parties, such as Sabah BN, reject cooperation with GRS due to political and governance issues. However, this has not affected the GRS-PH pact.
Meanwhile, the GRS-PH government has approved numerous assistance programs for education development and public welfare. These initiatives include a monthly assistance of RM300 to nearly 100,000 hardcore poor, which will continue if the people return the mandate to GRS-PH in the coming election.
In addition, the GRS-PH government is spearheading the development of the Paginatan New Township, a project that aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap. Once completed, residents of Paginatan will no longer need to travel to Ranau or Telupid to access government services.
The Paginatan New Township project, located approximately 43km from Kota Kinabalu, will include government offices, shops, low-cost housing, a health centre, a market, police, and fire stations. The project also includes a library and a multi-purpose hall, aiming to improve the quality of life for the local community.
Hajiji Noor highlighted the administration's success in securing greater participation in the oil and gas sector through the historic signing of the Commercial Collaborative Agreement (CCA) with Petronas in 2021. According to Hajiji Noor, the GRS-PH partnership has delivered progress for Sabah, with over 94% of more than 400 initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan already implemented.
The Paginatan New Township project is part of the government's broader commitment to eradicating poverty in the state and boosting the local economy. Hajiji Noor emphasized the importance of strong ties with the federal government for ensuring stability and economic growth. He also stated that the Opposition's claims about the GRS-PH partnership are intended to mislead the people.
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- A Tale of Two RussiansGate Notable Figures: Focus on Mike Davis
