KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has accepted Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS). The coalition now comprises eight parties.
GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said PCS leader Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman had applied for the party to join the coalition.
"All party presidents have unanimously agreed to accept PCS as a component of GRS.
"The inclusion of PCS, a local party, is an important step in further strengthening the unity and political cohesion in Sabah.
"We believe with closer cooperation, we can achieve our common goal of developing Sabah towards greater prosperity and wellbeing."
Other parties in the coalition are Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party, United Sabah National Organisation, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
Masidi, who is also state finance minister, said accepting PCS into GRS was in line with the "Sabah First" principle.
He said GRS is now stronger and more prepared to face challenges to ensure the welfare and prosperity of Sabah.
"We hope the people of Sabah will give their full support to GRS to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all."
In the 2020 state election, when Anifah started helming PCS, the party contested and lost all 73 state seats.