Masidi said the separation was amicable.
KOTA KINABALU (April 26): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) respects United Sabah National Organisation’s (Usno) decision to leave the coalition, with its secretary-general Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun describing the move as part and parcel of the fluid nature of politics.
“We cannot stop people from leaving. Politics is very fluid and dynamic. Sometimes we cannot predict what will happen beyond tomorrow.
“That is what politics is all about. As much as I wish they had stayed on, we nevertheless respect their decision to quit GRS. I wish them good luck outside GRS,” he said when met at the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah gala dinner here on Saturday.
Masidi, who is also Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, said the separation was amicable.
“I’m happy to say, as far as I’m concerned, we part as friends and not as enemies. That is most important,” he added.
On whether GRS would remain strong, Masidi expressed confidence in the coalition, noting that political alignments are constantly evolving.
“I think people will come and go. Right now, there are new applications from other political parties. We will leave it to GRS’ chairman (Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor) to announce at the appropriate time.
Meanwhile, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR Sabah) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan declined to comment on Usno’s exit, describing it as an internal matter of the party.
“That is their matter, and I do not wish to comment,” he said when met at the same event.
However, Kitingan acknowledged the unpredictable nature of politics, saying alliances can shift depending on circumstances.
“So far, there are no external negotiations. But politics is the art of the possible—anything can happen.
“Opponents can become friends, friends can become enemies. It all depends on what is happening around us and internally,” he said.
He also dismissed any notion of strained ties with Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
“We have no problems. We have no issues,” he said.
On the possibility of forming a new alliance, Kitingan said there were no immediate plans but stressed that any political alignment must be carefully considered.
“I cannot comment at this time as there may not yet be a need. But political unity is positive and should be viewed openly.
“At the same time, we must consider the benefits and impact—not only on Sabah politics, but also on our economy, unity and policies,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai also stressed that GRS would stay the course despite Usno’s departure.
“We respect their decision and understand the reason given, that they are no longer compatible. In politics, that is a normal occurrence,” he said.
Joniston said GRS would continue to prioritise unity among Sabah’s diverse communities, which remains its core agenda.
“We will continue focusing on uniting all communities in Sabah, just as we did when Usno was still part of the coalition. That remains our main priority, as political stability is important,” he said.
He added that GRS would continue efforts to foster unity regardless of race and religion, while ensuring alignment on matters concerning the state’s interests.
“Of course, we would have preferred them to remain, but we respect their decision.
“We will not lose focus. Our priorities remain the same as before and will continue unchanged despite their departure,” he said.
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