The Sabah Barisan Nasional treasurer said GRS, the state’s ruling coalition, might want to ensure strong ties with the federal government.

“This aligns with the need to ensure political stability and continued development for Sabah,” he said in a Facebook post.

While BN and PH are partners in the unity government at the federal level, BN sits in the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said yesterday his coalition would form an alliance with PH for the election.

PH had previously agreed to an electoral pact with BN.

Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition would not work with GRS in the state election, and would only consider cooperation after the outcome of the election.

Salleh nevertheless said GRS’s decision to work with PH must be respected.

“Undoubtedly, they have their own reasons, and the people will be the judge,” he said.

He said BN had decided to work with PH as the two coalitions were the foundation of the unity government at the federal level.

Cooperation between the two was a “logical and responsible continuation of that partnership”.

“How PH manages its cooperation with both BN and GRS is not our concern. What matters to us in BN is sincerity in partnership, and our focus remains on strengthening our party on the ground,” he said.