Any party wishing to join Gabungan Rakyat Sabah must commit to its four core principles of Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah Forward and Sabah United

KOTA KINABALU: 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.

These principles 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,” he told reporters after officiating an event in Benoni.

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

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

He expressed his personal view that the coalition should remain open to new members.

“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,” he said.

However, Armizan added that it is Kiandee’s right to determine his own political direction.

Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, clarified he was not speaking on behalf of any GRS component party.

Previously, claims went viral on social media that Ronald, who is also the Beluran MP, would join GRS.

No official confirmation has been issued so far.

Bersatu is currently facing a crisis after its Disciplinary Board expelled 17 members on Friday.

Those expelled include Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and several MPs.

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

 The Sun Malaysia