PENAMPANG: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah will be having a meeting next month to discuss the seat negotiation for the upcoming state election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"We will hold a GRS meeting soon. God willing, it will be next month," he said after launching Parti Bersatu Sabah's (PBS) 39th annual delegation convention at Hongkod Koisaan here.
Present were PBS founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and GRS component parties' leaders.
Dr Joachim had said GRS must have earlier negotiation on the seats and that it would be best to contest as many seats as possible to prevent dominance of other parties in Sabah.
GRS comprises Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, PBS, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party, United Sabah National Organisation, Liberal Democratic Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Cinta Sabah.
There are 73 state constituency seats in Sabah.
"For the good of Sabah, we are open to discussions with friends from all parties, including those from the national coalition.
"PBS is a highly influential party in Sabah, and we emphasise strong unity among the coalition parties within GRS as they are all founded on local aspirations.
"However, this does not mean that we are not open to collaboration with national parties.
"For the wellbeing of the people of Sabah and our nation, cooperation to create political stability is crucial so that we can plan development programmes, especially for those living in rural areas who need support from the government," said Hajiji.
On Barisan Nasional working with Pakatan Harapan in the state election, Hajiji said that he could not comment on that as it's BN chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's opinion.
Hajiji said the most important thing was unity among the parties in GRS, including PBS.
"Now, we are in the government — the GRS-PH government."