KOTA KINABALU: State Cabinet members are currently pleased with their collaboration within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The GRS secretary-general said that the Cabinet members from various political parties have integrated well as they strive to perform effectively in their respective portfolios and enhance governance in Sabah.
As such, they have yet to initiate discussions on an electoral pact to face the upcoming state elections, he told reporters after officiating an event here on Sunday (Oct 27).
“To us, we are so busy working that we don’t have the time and it hasn’t crossed our minds to discuss partnerships,” Masidi said.
“But all we can say is that within the Cabinet, we are happy working with each other. We fit in quite well, probably because the overriding consideration is to do a good job and improve governance and transparency,” he added.
He emphasised that these factors are particularly important to young voters.
“We need to change and go beyond what has already been done and try to create a better political ecosystem to thrive,” Masidi stated.
When asked if the current government was open to working with all Barisan members again, he responded that GRS does not have issues with anyone.
“However, they must work with us in a manner that aligns with our perspective on what is appropriate. It is not about us instructing you on what to do, but rather about adapting to the new political culture,” he explained.
“I believe the new political culture emphasises good governance and transparency,” Masidi continued, adding that leaders must look beyond racial politics as the path forward.
In addition to the dominant Gagasan Rakyat with 26 assemblymen, GRS includes Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) with seven assemblymen, Sabah STAR with six, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) with one each and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Usno, and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), which currently have no assemblymen.
GRS governs Sabah with the support of Sabah Pakatan Harapan, which has seven assemblymen, along with several Barisan Nasional assemblymen. The Sabah PAS assemblyman also supports the GRS government.
