Sabah-based KDM cuts ties with GRS govt, says it’s time to win back grassroots

KDM acting president Priscella Peter (seated, second from right) with party leaders during the press conference in Papar on August 15, 2026. — The Borneo Post pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 3:57 PM MYT

KINARUT, Aug 15 — Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) today pulled its support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government, signalling a shift in the party’s political direction ahead of the next general election.

KDM acting president Priscella Peter said the decision was made by the party’s supreme council during its annual meeting today, local media 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 was quoted by news outlet Free Malaysia Today as saying at press conference in Papar.

She said the decision, which was not made lightly, was intended to make KDM’s position clear to the public and its grassroots supporters.

Priscella said the party had been affected by what happened after the previous state election, prompting it to make its position known well before the next polls.

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

She said KDM wanted to show that its political decisions were not driven solely by the timing of elections, but reflected a longer-term commitment to its supporters.

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

The move comes a week after Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said his party was in discussions with KDM and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku over a possible cooperation for the 16th general election.

Shafie said no agreement had been reached, but any pact involving Warisan would safeguard Sabah’s rights and interests.

KDM contested the November 2025 state election independently and won one seat, Paginatan, before subsequently aligning itself with the GRS administration led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.