Sabah Polls: STAR, SAPP Exit From GRS A Political Tactic, Says Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has described the decision by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) to leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as an old political tactic ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.

He suggested the move may be a temporary strategy, allowing both parties to contest under their own logos before potentially returning to cooperation after the polls.

“My reading is that when SAPP and STAR leave GRS, it is a political tactic to contest under their respective party symbols, and later they may regroup when forming the state government,” Ahmad Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and UMNO president, told reporters here today.

He reiterated that BN will maintain its political cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Sabah polls.

“As determined by UMNO and BN leadership, we are only aligning with Pakatan Harapan for the 17th Sabah election,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that Sabah voters are mature enough to see through such moves.

“I do not think Sabah voters will fall for old political tactics like this. They are savvy enough to reject such manoeuvres,” he added.

STAR and SAPP have officially decided to exit GRS and contest solo in the state election, a move formalised during the GRS Supreme Council meeting chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Sri Gaya on Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA