In a joint statement, the top four Sabah PH leaders said, however, the existing political stability at the federal and state levels should be maintained and further strengthened.

PH and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah are allies in the state government currently, while BN sits in the opposition with Warisan.

“It’s rational for both PH and BN to work together in the state election while remaining open to discussions with other parties that support unity and collaboration in developing Malaysia.

“Sabah PH is confident that the political stability in the federal and Sabah governments, as well as the harmonious relationship shared by both, needs to be maintained and strengthened to ensure the aspirations and future of the federation and Sabah can be ensured.

“Sabah PH is open to fostering unity and cooperation with other parties, and believes that this political cooperation should be based on coming up with policies that revolve around the interests and future of Sabah and Sabahans,” they said.

The statement was signed by Sabah PH chief and Upko president Ewon Benedick, Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe, state PKR chairman Mustapha Sakmud and Sabah Amanah chief Lahirul Latigu.

Earlier, PH secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and unity government secretariat chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that BN and PH have agreed to work together to face the upcoming Sabah state election.

They said the agreement was reached during a meeting yesterday between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs PH, and BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Saifuddin and Asyraf also said discussions on the form of cooperation would be handled jointly by both the PH and BN leadership in the state.

However, they added: “All final decisions will be made by the top leaderships of PH and BN at the national level.”

Previously, Hajiji Noor’s GRS was also courting PH for an alliance for the state election, which must be held by the end of the year.