What are the core competing interests between GRS and Pakatan Harapan within their alliance?

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Core Competing Interests Within the GRS–PH Alliance

The alliance between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) is experiencing strain due to fundamental differences in their political objectives. GRS, a coalition of six parties including Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), is primarily focused on advocating for increased state autonomy for Sabah. Concurrently, PH, comprising DAP, PKR, and Amanah, is driven by its national leadership's ambition to expand its influence within the state. This divergence in goals creates inherent tension within their joint political front.
GRS's Push for State Autonomy

GRS's political narrative is anchored in the "Sabah Maju Jaya" slogan, emphasizing continued progress and highlighting fiscal achievements alongside political stability derived from its alignment with the federal unity government. However, a significant undercurrent within GRS is the persistent demand for greater autonomy from federal control. This aspiration for self-governance is a long-standing theme in Sabah's political discourse, and GRS champions this cause as central to its agenda. Despite highlighting successes, the coalition faces criticism that its leader, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, is becoming increasingly susceptible to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's efforts to bolster PKR's presence in Sabah, which some within GRS perceive as undermining their pursuit of autonomy.
PH's National Leadership Ambitions

Pakatan Harapan's national leadership is actively seeking to enhance its political footprint in Sabah. This strategy involves increased visibility and engagement, exemplified by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's frequent visits and campaigns such as "PMX Sayang Sabah." While these efforts aim to strengthen PH's position, they have elicited mixed reactions and have, at times, been perceived as disconnected from Sabah's specific priorities. An instance of this perception arose from a viral social media exchange regarding Sabah's constitutional entitlement to 40 per cent of federal revenue, suggesting a potential gap in understanding local concerns.
Internal GRS Dissatisfaction

Within the GRS coalition itself, there is a palpable sense of discontent regarding the alliance with PH and its implications for Sabah's interests. A significant portion of GRS members believe that the coalition might have been more strategically advantageous contesting independently in the upcoming state election. This sentiment is further complicated by decisions such as the endorsement of GRS's Karamunting incumbent and Melalap division chief to contest under the PKR banner, which has raised questions about Hajiji Noor's capacity to effectively champion Sabah's best interests amidst federal influence.
Public Scrutiny of the Alliance

The GRS–PH alliance faces public scrutiny, particularly following the recent departures of three component parties: STAR, SAPP, and Upko. These exits have prompted voters to question the coalition's efficacy as a vehicle for advancing Sabah's unique interests. The alliance's narrative of stability and progress is juxtaposed against persistent infrastructure challenges, including water shortages, power outages, and delayed projects, as well as recent corruption allegations linked to a mining scandal. This environment fuels public doubt about whether the current coalition structure truly serves Sabah's long-term welfare.

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What are the core competing interests between GRS and Pakatan Harapan within their alliance?

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