KOTA KINABALU — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) will enter into an electoral pact for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed today.
Hajiji, who also leads Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), said the decision was made following internal discussions among GRS component parties, with a consensus reached to collaborate with PH.
“This reflects the ongoing cooperation between GRS and PH in the current state administration,” he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Meeting 2025.
“Of course, we are ready, but the formula for the electoral pact is not yet final. There are still a few matters to iron out,” he added.
Sabah PH deputy chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive step forward.
“I think it’s good news for Sabah,” said Mustapha, who also expressed appreciation to the Chief Minister for upholding the spirit of cooperation between the two coalitions.
He said the next step would be seat negotiations and voiced hope for a fair and balanced allocation.
Asked how many seats Sabah PH is targeting, Mustapha said the coalition is aiming for between 23 and 25, pending the outcome of discussions.
The current term of the 16th Sabah state assembly is set to expire automatically on November 11, triggering the state election. — July 27, 2025