KUCHING: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has said that a Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional collaboration for the next Sabah election is unlikely.
"It's unlikely because PH is more inclined to form a pact with GRS," Joniston said when contacted for comments on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement yesterday.
"Apparently, Zahid wants the unity government at the federal level to be replicated in Sabah," added Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief.
He said that Sabah's unique political landscape makes it unacceptable for Peninsular Malaysia leaders to dictate Sabah politics.
He added that if Umno contests solo in the 17th Sabah state election, the party will struggle to gain traction.
"Most Sabahans have had enough of Umno," said Joniston, who also serves as Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister .
He was referring to Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin's statement that Sabah BN or Umno is prepared to contest independently in the state election if no cooperation agreement is reached with other parties.
Bung had remarked that Zahid, who is also BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister, said BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are discussing potential cooperation, including a possible alliance with GRS, for the state election, which is expected by next year.
However, some Sabah political leaders have expressed reservations about Zahid's proposal.
Speaking in Kuching yesterday, Zahid said that the upcoming Sabah state election would serve as a "testing ground" to assess PH-BN cooperation in Sabah.
He added that the election is essential for evaluating their alliance in preparation for the general election, stating that their partnership forms the foundation of the unity government and should continue to ensure political stability.
If the PH-BN collaboration proves successful, he said, the same approach could be used to work with other coalition parties.