KOTA KINABALU, Aug 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed his commitment to avoiding three-cornered contests involving Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the 17th Sabah State Election.
Anwar, who is also Harapan chairman and Parti Keadilan Rakyat president, said his party is trying to secure an arrangement to ensure that there will be no clash of seats or overlapping candidates among the three coalitions in the state election through ongoing discussions.
“But in case it has to happen, our advice is that we will probably try and refrain from entering this battle to cause so many differences.
“But I think I do not want to pre-empt that because we intend to ensure that there is full understanding,” he told the press after attending a meeting with Sabah Keadilan leaders today.
Anwar emphasised that understanding among Harapan, BN, and GRS is vital and should be made a priority to avoid confusion among voters.
“We have sent this message to all three parties, to Harapan, to BN, to GRS, that we intend to make sure if it is necessary to secure that sort of understanding; that is a priority. But you know in politics, the odds are possible, but sometimes it is impossible,” he said.
The Prime Minister is optimistic about collaboration with GRS and BN in the state election, but stressed that Harapan would not take sides in any political “love triangle". Instead, it will play a balancing role to ensure political stability and prevent conflict between allies.
“Love is comforting, but sometimes it leaves a little wound — but that is the meaning of love,” he said.
Anwar noted that it is important for Harapan to play a constructive role, ensuring its presence not only brings a reform agenda but also a comprehensive understanding among all parties.
“We need full collaboration of all parties to ensure there is stability, peace and a strong state government, which is to me essential to cooperate with the federal government for the benefit of Sabah and Malaysia,” he said.
On Sunday (July 27), Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, confirmed that an electoral pact will be formed between GRS and Harapan for the state election.
Two days after that, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also confirmed that the coalition has "locked in" cooperation with Harapan as a partner to face the state election.
The five-year term of the 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly will expire on November 11, if it is not dissolved earlier.
