GRS expected to keep current allies for GE16, says PGRS info chief

2026-03-18 - 01:14

PGRS information chief Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said GRS is likely to continue working with its current partners – PH, BN and Upko – for GE16. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is expected to work with its current partners in the state government for the 16th general election (GE16), says a Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) leader. According to Berita Harian, PGRS information chief Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the move was aimed at maintaining the Sabah unity government formed after the Nov 29 state polls. “We will defend the unity government led by Hajiji Noor. Therefore, we will continue the existing cooperation, including with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), which are already part of the Sabah government,” he told reporters after a breaking of fast event with Sabah media last night. “Most importantly, we want to ensure that the government remains strong. So far, cooperation has been smooth. “We will also ensure good ties with the federal government, and we are comfortable with the current situation.” Nizam was responding to questions on Gagasan Rakyat and GRS’s strategy for GE16, including whether they would contest independently or collaborate with other parties as in the previous state election. The Nov 29 polls last year saw GRS winning 29 out of 73 seats. The victory allowed Hajiji to form a new state government with support from independents and allies in PH, BN, and Upko. Separately, Nizam said Gagasan Rakyat was expected to hold a special general assembly soon to discuss and approve a proposed party restructuring. He said the plan involved shifting its divisions from state constituency-based to parliamentary constituency-based structures. “We agreed to restructure Gagasan Rakyat to update and strengthen the party as the backbone of the unity government in Sabah. “This will make it easier for the party to carry out its activities and further strengthen the government,” he said. The restructuring would reduce Gagasan Rakyat’s current 73 divisions to 26: 25 in Sabah and one in Labuan.