“Our affairs are now easier … without us asking, Sabah Barisan Nasional, and now PN, have stated their stance in rejecting GRS,” said GRS deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali.

“Let others speak. We welcome that. What matters is that we keep moving forward. What’s important is our effort to gain the support of the people, not alignments with other coalition blocs.”

Armizan also highlighted the strength of local parties, saying they hold the final say in selecting candidates for the election.

He said that in national coalitions, letters of appointment for election candidates must be issued by the central leadership of the respective component parties, making those selected beholden to the national leadership.

This differs from Sabah-based parties, where appointment letters are issued by local party leaders, and the chief minister is chosen from among leaders elected by the people.

“Going forward, we do not want any party over there (in the peninsula) to consider themselves the ‘master’ or the ‘boss’ simply because they decide who leads Sabah.

“It’s time we send a clear signal that the ‘master’ is not there, the ‘master’ is here. The ultimate ‘masters’ are the people of Sabah,” he said.

Yesterday, PN chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition rejected any political cooperation with GRS in the state election, citing what he described as a betrayal by GRS after its leaders, then members of Bersatu, left the party in November 2022 following the 15th general election (GE15).

GRS is currently in discussions with Pakatan Harapan (PH) about forming an electoral alliance for the state election. PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim has since called for the PH-BN alliance to work with GRS.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor has warned that GRS is prepared to contest the election alone if PH proceeds with teaming up solely with BN, insisting that Sabah-based parties should form the backbone of any alliance and lead the state government.