KDM pulls support for GRS-led Sabah government

Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) has announced that it is withdrawing its support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government.

KDM acting president Priscella Peter said the decision was made by the party’s supreme council during its annual meeting today, Sinar Harian reported.

“What is important is that, in preparation for the next general election, KDM, together with its supreme council, has decided to move forward without being part of the GRS government,” she said at a press conference in Papar.

She said the decision, “which was not made lightly”, was important to demonstrate the party’s direction to the public and KDM’s grassroots supporters.

“What happened after the last state election has certainly had an impact on our grassroots.

“So the decision we have taken today is solely to show that we do not act only when an election is approaching or a general election is called.

“We need to take action beforehand to demonstrate our commitment and regain the trust of our grassroots,” she was quoted as saying.

The announcement comes a week after Warisan president Shafie Apdal said his party is in talks with KDM and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku on a possible pact for the 16th general election.

He said no agreement had been reached yet but any GE16 pact entered into by Warisan would protect Sabah’s rights and interests.

In the November 2025 state election, KDM contested on its own and won only one seat, Paginatan. It subsequently aligned itself with the GRS administration led by chief minister Hajiji Noor.