Participation In GRS Comes With Upholding Four Core Principles - Armizan

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Any party intending to join Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must firmly adhere to the coalition’s four core principles, says its Deputy Secretary-General, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said participation in the local-based coalition must be anchored on the principles of Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah Forward and Sabah United, which have long been the pillars of GRS’ struggle.

“I’m not just talking about (Datuk Seri) Ronald Kiandee, but any party that wants to join GRS, we must return to the four core principles of GRS. In my personal view, we must be open,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of a drive-through service at a fast-food restaurant in Benoni here, today.

Armizan was asked to comment on claims that Ronald Kiandee, who is also Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri, would be joining GRS.

According to Armizan, the matter remains speculation and has never been discussed by the coalition’s component parties.

“As a senior politician, I do not think Datuk Seri Ronald would make a decision at this stage to join any party, not just GRS. However, to me, it is his right to determine his political direction,” he said.

Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, said he was not speaking on behalf of any GRS component party but expressing his personal view on the matter.

Previously, claims went viral on social media that Ronald, who is also the Beluran MP, would join GRS, but no official confirmation has been issued so far.

Bersatu is currently facing a crisis after its Disciplinary Board expelled 17 members on Friday, including Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin; Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal; Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob; and Padang Rengas MP Kapten Azahari Hasan.

Yesterday, Bersatu’s Lembah Pantai and Larut divisions also announced the dissolution of both divisions with immediate effect.

-- BERNAMA