GRS aims to win at least 14 of Sabah's 25 seats in upcoming election

At a supreme council meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah set a goal of securing at least 14 of the state’s 25 parliamentary seats in the forthcoming general election. Secretary-general Armando Ali said the target stems from a simulation using the previous state-election results, which, without Upko’s inclusion, suggested a 14-15 seat haul. Since Upko’s two MPs have joined, GRS now counts seven MPs and aims to increase that number significantly.

Chairperson Hajiji Noor led the six-party coalition, which includes Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Cinta Sabah, Upko, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Liberal Democratic Party. Ali highlighted the need for a focused strategy that both preserves existing support and expands influence to give Sabah a stronger voice in federal affairs, while also working with Barisan Nasional and independents to keep the state government stable. The coalition plans a convention in Kudat on Oct 18 and is gathering input from component parties on the 2027 state budget, with proposals to be submitted to Finance Minister Masidi Manjun.