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GRS Assembly Members to Defend Seats in Upcoming Election

All GRS Assembly Members Set to Defend Their Seats, Announces PBS Chief

In a bold declaration that underscores the unity and resolve within Sabah's ruling coalition, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili has confirmed that all incumbent assembly members from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance will be defending their seats in the upcoming state election. This announcement, made during a press conference in Kota Kinabalu, signals a strategic move to maintain continuity and leverage the coalition's recent governance achievements amid growing political pressures from opposition forces.

Ongkili, a veteran politician and key figure in Sabah's political landscape, emphasized the importance of stability in the state assembly. "We have worked tirelessly to bring development and progress to Sabah over the past term," he stated, highlighting initiatives such as infrastructure projects, economic recovery programs post-pandemic, and efforts to address long-standing issues like land rights and resource management. According to Ongkili, the decision for all GRS members to contest again is not merely a tactical choice but a reflection of the coalition's confidence in its track record and the trust placed in them by the electorate.

The GRS coalition, formed in the wake of the 2020 Sabah state election, comprises several parties including PBS, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), and others, with support from Barisan Nasional (BN) components. This alliance wrested control from the previous Warisan-led government, marking a significant shift in Sabah's political dynamics. Ongkili's statement comes at a time when speculation has been rife about potential seat swaps, retirements, or new candidacies within the coalition, especially as the state election draws nearer—anticipated to be held by mid-2026 under constitutional timelines.

Delving deeper into the rationale behind this decision, Ongkili pointed out that defending seats allows incumbents to build on their existing relationships with constituents. "Each assemblyman has a deep understanding of their constituencies' needs," he explained. "From rural development in areas like Kinabatangan to urban challenges in places like Sandakan, our members have delivered tangible results." He cited examples such as the expansion of road networks in interior districts, improvements in healthcare facilities, and initiatives to boost tourism, which have been pivotal in reviving Sabah's economy after the setbacks caused by global events.

This move also serves as a counter to criticisms from opposition parties, particularly Parti Warisan Sabah and Pakatan Harapan affiliates, who have accused the GRS government of complacency and failing to address federal-state relations effectively. Ongkili dismissed such claims, arguing that the coalition has successfully negotiated better revenue shares from oil and gas resources, a perennial sore point in Sabah's dealings with Putrajaya. "We are not just defending seats; we are defending Sabah's rights and future," he asserted, rallying support for what he described as a "united front against divisive politics."

Political analysts view this announcement as a preemptive strike to solidify GRS's position. Dr. Arnold Puyok, a political scientist at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, noted that by committing all incumbents to recontest, the coalition minimizes internal disruptions and focuses energy on campaigning. "In Sabah's multi-ethnic and geographically diverse electorate, familiarity breeds loyalty," Puyok observed. "Voters often prefer known quantities who have proven their mettle, especially in a state where local issues like poverty alleviation and indigenous rights dominate the discourse."

However, the decision is not without its challenges. Some assembly members face controversies or waning popularity in their constituencies. For instance, in the Pensiangan seat, held by a GRS representative, there have been murmurs about dissatisfaction over delayed projects. Ongkili addressed this by stressing the need for ongoing engagement: "We acknowledge areas for improvement, but our commitment remains unwavering." He outlined plans for a series of town halls and community outreach programs in the lead-up to the polls, aimed at reinforcing the coalition's narrative of progress and inclusivity.

The PBS chief also touched on the broader national context, noting that Sabah's political stability is crucial for Malaysia's overall unity government framework. With Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration relying on cross-coalition support, GRS's performance in the state election could influence federal dynamics. Ongkili hinted at potential alliances or endorsements from national parties, though he refrained from specifics, saying, "Our focus is on Sabah first, but we are open to collaborations that benefit our people."

Expanding on the coalition's achievements, Ongkili elaborated on key policies implemented during their tenure. The Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap, a flagship development plan, has channeled billions in investments into sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure. "We've seen a 15% increase in foreign direct investment over the last two years," he claimed, attributing this to proactive governance. Education reforms, including scholarships for underprivileged students and upgrades to rural schools, were highlighted as successes in bridging urban-rural divides.

Critics, however, argue that these claims mask underlying issues. Opposition leaders like Warisan's Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal have accused GRS of prioritizing elite interests over grassroots needs, pointing to persistent problems such as water shortages in remote areas and unemployment among youth. In response, Ongkili urged voters to evaluate based on facts rather than rhetoric: "Let the results speak for themselves. Our assembly members have been on the ground, listening and acting."

Looking ahead, the announcement sets the stage for intense campaigning. GRS plans to unveil its manifesto soon, focusing on themes of economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Ongkili expressed optimism about retaining a strong majority, predicting that the coalition's unity will resonate with Sabahans tired of political flip-flopping.

This development also raises questions about potential new entrants or defectors. While Ongkili affirmed that all current members are committed, he did not rule out strategic adjustments if circumstances demand. "Flexibility is key in politics, but our core team is solid," he said.

In the context of Sabah's history of fluid alliances—marked by events like the 1985 PBS victory and subsequent upheavals—the current stance represents a departure toward consolidation. Historians recall how PBS, under Ongkili's predecessor Joseph Pairin Kitingan, championed state rights, a legacy that continues to influence the party's ideology.

Community leaders have mixed reactions. In urban centers like Kota Kinabalu, business owners welcome the promise of continuity, citing stable policies that have aided recovery. In contrast, indigenous groups in the interiors call for more aggressive action on land titles, an issue Ongkili promised to prioritize.

As the election approaches, the political temperature in Sabah is rising. GRS's decision to have all assembly members defend their seats is a calculated gamble, banking on incumbency advantage while navigating the state's complex ethnic tapestry, which includes Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut communities, each with distinct aspirations.

Ongkili concluded his press conference with a call to action: "Sabahans deserve leaders who fight for them every day. Our team is ready to continue that fight." This sentiment encapsulates the coalition's strategy—rooted in defense, not just of seats, but of a vision for Sabah's prosperity.

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with hashtags like #DefendSabah trending. Supporters praise the move as a sign of strength, while detractors see it as entrenchment of the status quo. Regardless, it positions GRS as a formidable force, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.

In summary, Ongkili's declaration is more than a roster confirmation; it's a manifesto of intent, weaving together past achievements, present challenges, and future aspirations. As Sabah gears up for the polls, the spotlight will be on whether this strategy translates into electoral success, potentially reshaping the state's political narrative for years to come.

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Read the Full Free Malaysia Today Article at:
[ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/08/03/all-grs-assembly-members-to-defend-their-seats-says-pbs-chief ]