GRS bets on balance of youth, experience in Sabah polls
The selection of candidates for the 17th Sabah State Election also highlighted GRS’s effort to present a diverse line-up that combines fresh perspectives with political experience.
KOTA KINABALU - Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) enters the state election with a mix of young leaders and seasoned political figures such as Tan Sri Anifah Aman and Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, reflecting its strategy to balance renewal with proven leadership.
The selection of candidates for the 17th Sabah State Election also highlighted GRS’s effort to present a diverse line-up that combines fresh perspectives with political experience.
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Secretary-General Datuk Mohamed Razali Razi, who is among the 35 per cent of new candidates fielded by GRS, said the coalition’s approach reflects its commitment to empowering the younger generation.
He stated that GRS is providing opportunities for new and younger faces to take on administrative roles within the Sabah state government.
He added that the coalition strongly prioritises youth participation and the inclusion of fresh leadership in state governance.
Comparing GRS’s 35 per cent new candidates with Barisan Nasional’s (BN) 80 per cent, Razali said the focus should be on service, not statistics.
“It is not about the percentage. Someone can be a new or young candidate, but in the end, the evaluation is based on their service record in their respective areas.
“We believe that GRS candidates have long served and contributed at the community level.
"That is what matters more, not merely the number of new or young candidates, but their service to the people,” he said.
Razali said that GRS’s decision to retain prominent figures such as Anifah and Pandikar was based on confidence in their winnability.
He stated that all the selected individuals are considered strong and winnable candidates, having undergone a new evaluation process that gave the leadership full confidence in their ability to secure their respective seats.
On the issue of possible dissatisfaction or sabotage in constituencies where incumbents were replaced, including in Pintasan, Razali admitted such situations could occur but maintained that the party’s focus remained on victory.
“In politics, we cannot predict what will happen. But as far as we know, our machinery and members are already on the ground. So our focus is to win the election.
“Any differences in opinion that may arise, we remain focused on our goal. The changes have already happened, and Pandikar is now the candidate there.
“Of course, we understand that if their names are not announced, they would feel disappointed. That is normal and usually fades after a day or two,” he said.
Razali, who will contest the Darau state seat, said his main focus is on strengthening local governance through a new village management council.
He also stated that their vision is to create a village management council that brings together village leaders and youth representatives.
He said past experiences have shown that poor communication is one of the main challenges faced in villages and residential areas.
Through this council, he said, engagement sessions with village leaders, youth and NGOs can be conducted to promote transparency and strengthen community management.
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