Anwar, who is also the chairman for PH and PKR, said talks are ongoing to reach an understanding among the three coalitions, Sinar Harian reported.

“For now, we are trying to reach an agreement to prevent three-cornered clashes. If it does happen, we will likely avoid contesting (for the seat) to prevent division,” he was quoted as saying after meeting Sabah PKR leaders in Kota Kinabalu today.

Asked to comment on the cooperation among the three coalitions being described as a “love triangle”, Anwar quipped: “Love is a pleasant thing. Sometimes it leaves a small scar, but that is the meaning of love.”

He also said PH’s seat allocation for the state election will be decided by its election committee.

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor announced on July 27 that the ruling coalition and PH had agreed to form an alliance for the polls. BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also said the coalition’s cooperation with PH in Sabah was “locked in” since the May announcement.

However, as both BN and GRS are not formally working with one another, the two coalitions are expected to clash in the state election, due to be held by the end of the year.

Anwar had hoped that all three coalitions would be able to work together for the polls.

Sabah Umno and GRS used to be allies in the state government, but their partnership collapsed after a failed attempt led by Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin to unseat Hajiji as chief minister in January 2023.

Hajiji remained as chief minister with the backing of PH, which is now part of the state government. Umno sits in the opposition with Warisan.