LDP president Chin Su Phin said in a statement: “The idea of Sabah being led by local parties is not merely political strategy – it is a necessity rooted in the aspirations, culture, and realities unique to the people of this state.

He said the position taken by Hajiji was in line with the Sabah-first leadership principle. Any deviation from the Sabah-first principle would be a disservice to Sabahans, who have consistently called for homegrown leadership, he said.

Chin said LDP believed “in a Sabah that stands tall – not in defiance of the federal government, but in defence of its rightful autonomy and development agenda”.

He said his party was ready to meet with other local parties who shared the same commitment towards Sabah. LDP would also “continue to walk shoulder to shoulder with GRS”.

LDP is one of the eight parties that form GRS, alongside Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Sabah Progressive Party, Usno, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, and Parti Cinta Sabah.

Hajiji said earlier that the coalition has consistently held that local Sabah parties should be the backbone and head of the state government, without sidelining the important role national parties play in the larger political framework.

The chief minister said this was because local parties had a better understanding of the realities, cultures and needs of Sabahans.

GRS and Pakatan Harapan are currently allies in Hajiji’s government, while Barisan Nasional sits in the opposition in the state assembly with Warisan. All four parties are allies in the federal government.

Earlier, the unity government coalition secretariat announced that BN and PH have agreed to work together for the Sabah state assembly elections. The state assembly’s term ends on Nov 12 and elections must be held within 60 days of dissolution, unless it is dissolved earlier.