Hajiji…dismissed the possibility of a “free for all” in the upcoming election, insisting that GRS) is still in a solid pact with Pakatan Harapan.
KOTA KINABALU : – Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hank Hajiji Haji Noor has dismissed the possibility of a “free for all” in the upcoming election, insisting that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is still in a solid pact with Pakatan Harapan.
The GRS chairman, however, did not rule out the likelihood of some clashes between parties in some of the seats.
“I don’t think it will come to that (a free for all). We are still working with PH.
“Maybe a few clashes is ok,” he said when speaking to reporters after an event here today.
Yesterday, GRS secretary general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun was reported as saying that the parties might eventually contest on a free-for-all basis after hints from PH partner Upko’s Datuk Nelson Angang about contesting GRS-held seats, such as Limbahau.
Masidi said GRS would honour its seat-sharing deal with the four-party PH and expects it to be reciprocated.
Meanwhile, Hajiji also said that the GRS candidate list has been finalised, and those who failed to make the cut have “dropped themselves”.
“We have more or less completed its selection process, and will announce it a few days before nomination day on November 15. Maybe around November 11 or 12,” he said.
Hajiji dismissed claims of internal friction between the parties, saying that they had many people lobbying for a spot but had to give way at the discretion of the party presidents.
“Those who didn’t get chosen as candidates — if they only think about candidacy, then when they’re not selected, they leave.”
He advised those who were not chosen to remain committed to the party and its struggle.
“To be a leader, you must have that quality. Don’t sulk just because you weren’t fielded,” he said, adding that other parties should take that into consideration before taking them in.
As for the coalition’s election manifesto, Hajiji said it will be launched shortly after the announcement of candidates. – MM.
