KOTA KINABALU, El Sky News –The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition has officially declared its intention not to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections for both the Kinabatangan Parliamentary and Lamag State Assembly seats. This decision effectively clears the way for Barisan Nasional (BN), GRS’s partner in the Sabah state government, to contest both constituencies without internal opposition.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the move, explaining it was a mark of respect for the party that previously won the seats and currently forms part of the state administration.
“I am pleased to confirm that we will not be participating. We will grant respect to the party that won previously. They happen to be part of the state government now,” the Chief Minister stated when met by the media at the Sabah State Assembly sitting.
Hajiji further guaranteed GRS’s full backing for their coalition partner. “The principle is, we will give way. We will assist them in winning those by-elections—both seats,” he affirmed.
The by-elections were triggered by the passing of the long-time incumbent for both seats, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on December 5. The Chief Minister stressed that prioritizing collaboration and mutual agreement among the state government’s component parties is crucial for ensuring continued political stability and harmony in Sabah.
