Armizan said Bung’s wish for GRS-BN cooperation to be considered only after the state election was “reasonable” and should be honoured.

“Only by going head-to-head can we put to rest the issue of who betrayed whom and who actually commands support,” he said in a statement today.

“There’ll be no more accusations that a candidate from Party A only won because of Party B’s backing, and vice versa.”

Armizan, who is also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, said this was his personal view and not an official GRS position.

He was responding to Bung’s remarks on June 3 that discussions on electoral cooperation should wait until after the state election.

Armizan said GRS, in principle, remains open to working with Pakatan Harapan, its current partner in the Sabah government.

He also credited PH for prioritising political stability by rejecting the “Kinabalu Move” and choosing to support Hajiji Noor to remain as chief minister.

“I believe the current state government is functioning well under the existing cooperation. Based on the voices and sentiments of GRS grassroots leaders and supporters, they seem keen to face BN directly,” he said.

Armizan also said the formation of the federal unity government should not be seen as a barrier to state-level contests.