In a statement today, Joniston clarified that the suggestion to invite Warisan to join GRS came from certain leaders and did not reflect the official stance of the coalition.

He said while GRS welcomed the idea, it was important to note the processes to be followed, and that the matter had not been formally discussed or decided within the party or coalition.

“This is an opinion expressed by some individuals, but it has not been brought to the table for discussion among the GRS or PBS leadership.

“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,” said Joniston, who is also PBS information chief.

GRS deputy chairman Jeffrey Kitingan was reported yesterday as saying the door was open for Warisan to work with the coalition.

“The possibility is always there … After all, politics is the art of the possible,” the Sabah deputy chief minister told FMT.

Before that, Warisan president Shafie Apdal said GRS had turned down numerous invitations to discuss working with the party in the upcoming state elections.

PBS Youth chief Christoper Mandut had said Warisan should apply to become a GRS component party, and its application would be raised at the GRS Supreme Council for an “open discussion”.