KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has not officially discussed or made a decision regarding the suggestion for Parti Warisan to join the coalition, says GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the suggestion for Warisan to be part of GRS came from certain individual leaders and did not represent the coalition's official stance.
"This is an opinion expressed by some individuals, but it has not been brought to the table for discussion among GRS or Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leadership," said Joniston, who is also PBS information chief, in a statement.
He said that while GRS supported the idea of uniting local parties for Sabah's benefit, any proposal must go through proper channels.
"We appreciate the interest in strengthening Sabah's political framework, but we urge supporters and the public to avoid jumping to conclusions based on individual opinions," he added.
The clarification came in response to queries from the media and GRS supporters, particularly PBS members, seeking clarity on the coalition's position following recent remarks on the matter.
The suggestion for Warisan to join GRS gained attention after Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal claimed that GRS had repeatedly declined offers to collaborate ahead of the upcoming state election.
In response, PBS Youth chief Christopher Mandut had suggested that Warisan applied to join GRS, saying that the coalition's Supreme Council would deliberate the application.
He also said that uniting local parties could benefit Sabah, provided all parties prioritised unity over differences.