SIPITANG: Sabah cannot yet follow in Sarawak's footsteps of forming a coalition with only local parties, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"In politics, we must cooperate with our allies, and that's how we are in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) now. We must work as one, including collaborating with national parties in Sabah," he said.
The Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president was speaking at the party's Sindumin division annual general meeting.
Hajiji, who heads GRS, said Sabah's situation differs from Sarawak's, where the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition is made up of local parties.
In Sabah, Hajiji's government comprises parties in GRS, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and some Umno assemblymen.
"Whether we like it or not, this is our situation. What is important is that we strengthen unity within GRS with PH and other partners."
Hajiji said the GRS-PH Plus coalition in Sabah will continue to work together in the next state election.
He said he believes the coalition can retain power in the state provided there is no sabotage.
"Strengthen our unity, and enhance cooperation with our partners. We need to help one another to secure victory in Sindumin and all other constituencies in the next election," he said.