KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has firmly rejected the idea of a “free-for-all” scenario in the upcoming election, emphasising that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remains in a strong alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH).
While Hajiji ruled out a complete breakdown of the alliance, he acknowledged the possibility of some conflicts over certain seats, Malay Mail Online reported.
“I don’t think it will come to that (a free-for-all). We are still working with PH,” Hajiji told reporters at an event in Kota Kinabalu. “Maybe a few clashes is ok.”
The comments came after GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun was quoted saying that the alliance might face a free-for-all situation, following indications from PH ally Upko’s Datuk Nelson Angang about contesting seats currently held by GRS, including Limbahau.
Masidi had earlier assured that GRS would honour its seat-sharing agreement with PH and expected the same in return.
On the election preparations, Hajiji confirmed that the GRS candidate list has been finalised. He stated that those not selected had “dropped themselves” from the running.
“We have more or less completed the selection process and will announce the candidates a few days before nomination day on November 15. Perhaps around November 11 or 12,” he said.
Hajiji also addressed claims of internal friction within GRS, attributing the lobbying for candidacy spots to party members who were ultimately not selected. He advised those not chosen to stay committed to the party’s cause.
“To be a leader, you must have that quality. Don’t sulk just because you weren’t fielded,” he said, urging other parties to carefully consider such individuals before bringing them in.
The GRS-PH coalition’s election manifesto is expected to be launched shortly after the candidate announcement. – November 3, 2025