Armizan (left) speaking to the media at the closing of Consumer Festival 2025 at ITCC Penampang on Sunday.-Bernama photo
PENAMPANG (July 13): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) views Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) rejection of cooperation with the state coalition as a blessing in disguise, said its deputy secretary-general, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Festival Kepenggunaan 2025 (CONFEST 2025) here on Sunday, Armizan said PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s recent remarks only serve to clarify the true political landscape.
“My personal opinion is that with PN’s statement rejecting cooperation with GRS, we should actually be thankful to Tan Sri Muhyiddin because he has made things easier for us,” said Armizan.
“Firstly, without us needing to explain, he has directly shown the reality — that there was never any proposal for cooperation between both sides.”
He added that the clear stance saves GRS from having to issue its own rejection.
“This makes things easier for us because GRS does not have to issue a statement rejecting cooperation with certain parties. Otherwise, we might appear arrogant and conceited. Let others speak — we welcome it,” he said.
Muhyiddin on Saturday stated that PN refuses to cooperate with GRS, which he accused of betraying the coalition after forming the state government without PN. He said PN is instead open to working with other parties ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election.
“It’s very difficult to work with GRS because that party has denied us. Would you want to work with them if you were in my position?” said Muhyiddin, who also claimed that the GRS name was his idea during the coalition’s early days.
He added that PN is currently scrutinising all state constituencies in preparation for the state polls and expressed confidence that public support for the coalition remains strong — citing their roadshows and dissatisfaction with the Sabah government over infrastructure, cost of living and corruption issues.
“One fact is that people remember our sincerity in managing the country during Covid-19, the aid we provided, our efforts to save many lives. They still remember my contributions and still call me ‘Abah’,” he said.
In response, Armizan said such developments only help to solidify GRS’ direction as more national coalitions publicly declare their positions.
“So far, our affairs have become simpler — without us asking, BN Sabah and now PN have declared their stand to reject GRS. What’s important is that we keep moving forward. What matters is the people’s support, not support from other political blocs,” he said.
While refraining from personal attacks, Armizan urged Sabahans to reflect on the underlying message behind such political moves.
“We can hear in their speeches — they say ‘We are the ones who made Hajiji an elected representative, we chose Hajiji to be Chief Minister’. This is exactly where we need to pioneer change in Sabah’s politics,” he said.
Armizan criticised the current structure of national coalitions, which he said places Sabah leaders at the mercy of decision-makers in Peninsular Malaysia.
“In a national coalition, the selection and endorsement of election candidates — even the Chief Minister — are determined by the top leadership in Peninsular Malaysia. Whoever is chosen is expected to remain loyal and obedient to them,” he said.
He stressed that local parties offer Sabah greater autonomy.
“With local parties, the candidates are selected and endorsed by local leaders. The Chief Minister comes from among leaders chosen by the people of Sabah themselves.”
“Moving forward, it’s time to send a clear signal — the master is not there; the master is here. And the ultimate master is the people of Sabah,” said Armizan.
“Why do I use the word ‘master’? We’ll talk about that another time,” he added.
