Anak Negeri Not Joining Kitingan S New Bloc To Avoid Tension With Grs

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Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri) has decided not to join the newly formed Gerakan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) to avoid creating tension with the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Anak Negeri president Henrynus Amin said the party had initially expressed interest in joining GBS but decided to stay out after considering the political implications.
GBS is a local political bloc formed by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Yong Teck Lee following their expulsion from GRS on Oct 2.
“Yes, we support the Sabah for Sabahans movement. However, technically and in terms of procedure, it is not easy to decide on allocating seats.
“We respect Star and SAPP’s long-time commitments to each other and the aspirations of their more experienced candidates.
“We came only recently and are morally obligated to fulfil the aspirations of our new and young candidates. But we do not want to create problems inside GRS,” Henrynus (above) said when contacted today.
Henrynus’s decision marks a shift from earlier this month, when he had expressed openness to joining Kitingan and Yong’s bloc.
Henrynus said he has informed Kitingan and Yong that while Anak Negeri will contest outside GBS, it still shares their political vision of Sabah for Sabahans.
“It will be a friendly contest among local political parties,” he added.
Contesting 55 seats
Anak Negeri election director Jismit Japong said the party’s supreme council has approved plans to contest 55 state seats.
This target is more than the 38 needed to form a simple majority, reflecting Anak Negeri’s ambition to become a serious contender for government.
ADSHe said the decision followed an internal review of the party’s machinery strength, grassroots reach and candidate readiness across Sabah.
“We believe this is the best time for Sabahans to choose a local party that truly fights for the state’s rights without depending on national parties,” Jismit said.
He said Anak Negeri’s manifesto will focus on restoring Sabah’s 40 percent revenue entitlement, providing RM1-per-litre fuel aid, building a hospital in every parliamentary area, and ensuring free education and housing for Sabahans.
“These are not mere political promises but a realistic plan that can be implemented if the state government is formed in the true spirit of the people’s struggle,” he said.
‘Campaign remains amicable’
The upcoming state election is expected to see an increasingly crowded field for Kadazandusun Murut voters, with PBS remaining in GRS, Upko aligned with Pakatan Harapan, and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), once led by jailed leader Peter Anthony, still operating independently.
Henrynus reiterated that Anak Negeri’s campaign will remain amicable despite the overlaps.
“We will continue to champion Sabah’s rights without hostility. It will be a friendly contest among local parties,” he said.
The party is expected to announce its full list of candidates soon, including several professionals and new faces.
The 17th Sabah state election is scheduled for Nov 29, following the dissolution of the state assembly on Oct 6. - Mkini

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