KOTA KINABALU, June 7 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is expected to decide on the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation's (Upko) application to join the coalition as a component party on June 18.
GRS secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said he is currently conducting engagement sessions with Upko leaders to gather the necessary information before preparing a paper for consideration at the coalition's Supreme Council meeting on that date.
“The GRS meeting is scheduled to take place on June 18 and an official decision is expected to be made then,” he told reporters after officiating the Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) Initiative programme here today.
Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, described Upko's application as a positive development towards uniting Sabah-based parties under a common political platform.
He said a key condition for Upko's admission is its commitment to GRS’ four core principles: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United.
On May 29, Upko formally submitted its application to GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also Sabah Chief Minister, through its president, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
GRS currently comprises five component parties: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Cinta Sabah. — Bernama
