The former Petagas assemblyman said the statement by the GRS chairman, who is also Sabah chief minister, is a “clarion call for Sabahans to reaffirm their commitment to self-determination”.

“The proposed PH-BN alliance raises concerns about the dominance and potential sidelining of local parties in the state’s administration. It raises fears of external influence reminiscent of colonial times.

“Hajiji’s proactive stance serves as both a warning and an opportunity for a referendum on whether Sabahans will allow political entities from Malaya to dictate their state’s trajectory toward self-empowerment,” Ligunjang said in a statement.

Yesterday, Hajiji said GRS 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.

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

Ligunjang said any decision by GRS to contest independently, while focusing on collaboration with other local parties, would represent a “strategic realignment” that places Sabahans first.

“By aligning with the national unity government at the federal level, GRS aims to demonstrate that true stability involves empowering local voices and prioritising the needs of Sabahans,” he said.

GRS and PH are currently allies in Hajiji’s government, while BN sits in the opposition in the state assembly with Warisan. However, all four parties are allies in the federal government.

Yesterday, the unity government coalition secretariat announced that PH and BN have agreed to work together for the Sabah polls, following a meeting between their respective chairmen, Anwar Ibrahim and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.