KOTA KINABALU, Nov 3 — GRS secretary general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun does not rule out an eventual “free for all” in the Nov 29 state election but hopes common sense will ultimately prevail among political partners.

He called Upko counterpart Senator Datuk Nelson Angang’s hint at plans to contest GRS-held seats such as Limbahau as “premature” since there has been no formal announcement.

Masidi said GRS would honour its seat-sharing deal with Pakatan Harapan and expects it to be reciprocated.

He said negotiations between GRS and Pakatan were conducted in good faith and should be honoured by all parties involved, including Upko, which was part of the four-member national coalition in Sabah.

When Sabah officially took charge of its own electricity and gas regulation under the present Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government in 2023 and 2024, it was a turning point few expected would happen so swiftly.

“Upko is part of Pakatan. On that basis, we expect everyone to honour the agreement,” Masidi said.

He said for negotiated seats, GRS would place its candidates regardless of who else contests.

“Intention and the actual can be different. We have been negotiating with Pakatan Harapan. On that basis, we expect people to honour the agreement. 

“If not, they are opening the door to a wider free-for-all contest. If you keep fighting one another, you allow those who are not friendly to defeat you. 

“If we decide to work as a team, then we should act as a team. You cannot call yourself a friend and at the same time stab someone in the back. Friendship does not work that way,” he told a press conference, Saturday.

Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau was proposed to be fielded in Tamparuli, and the division’s deputy chief, Joisin Romut, in Kiulu.

Limbahau is held by Datuk Juil Nuatim, who is a direct member of GRS after he left Warisan, while Tamparuli is held by PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim and Kiulu by PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Masidi stressed that GRS has always promoted teamwork and mutual respect among coalition partners.

He also welcomed democratic competition in Karanaan, a seat he has represented for 21 years, but said his responsibility as Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s Deputy President requires him to stand firm.

“A general should lead, not just give orders,” he stressed, adding that GRS plans to reveal its list of candidates about a week before nomination day.

It was learnt that Upko was only given two seats to contest and under their own logo, have expressed intent for KDM areas namely Kiulu, Tamparuli and Moyog, among others.

Masidi was met at the opening of the the third BigSabah Sale at Sabah International Convention Centre representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Delivering Hajiji’s speech, he said the event will boost Sabah’s market access and strengthen its trade position in BIMP-EAGA and the Asia-Pacific. 

Hajiji highlighted the growing international confidence in Sabah’s potential as a trade gateway, and urged exhibitors and investors to explore new opportunities. 

He also noted the establishment of the Sabah Convention Bureau in 2022 to enhance Sabah’s MICE competitiveness. 

Thirteen countries; Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan are participating in this year’s event. — Daily Express