Najib: Bersatu using GRS' name reflects weakness while BN stronger with "umbrella" strategy

Pekan MP said the party was now using the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) brand more than its own party name.

"It seems that Bersatu (popularity is) decreasing because they do not mention Bersatu much, they are now using the GRS name. It means that Pas in the Peninsula will use its own logo and will not use Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"I see that Bersatu is not as strong as before. Bersatu has dropped a lot because they do not ‘sell’ Bersatu, they ‘sell’ GRS instead.

“If Bersatu is strong, they will use its own name more," he told reporters after attending a Santai Petang event with Sabah Virtual Activists in Kolombong on Friday evening.

He also said many parties were moving solo and had no strength of their own, causing them to try to stay through coalitions with other parties.

“It seems, individually, the other parties have no strength, they have declined a lot including Parti Warisan (Warisan) as well. So that's why they are trying to get together, and we have to understand that BN has more strength at the moment," he added.

When asked to comment further on Barisan Nasional being the best option for Sabah, he said the situation in the state depends on the situation in the Peninsula.

"In the Peninsula, it seems that BN is in favour so most people think that BN has the best chance to form a government when the time comes.

"In the context of Sabah, we have to show that BN is actually not a party from the Peninsula, BN is a party controlled by the people of Sabah or under a bigger umbrella.

"So when we bring a coalition or umbrellas, we have strength. That is what we must apply to the people of Sabah," he said.

On the programme, Najib said it was the first time he attended an event with social activists in the state.

"Over the years, they have supported me and given positive comments, especially on Facebook. I felt that I needed to meet them and hopefully they will continue supporting me.

“I met with them not based on the election but I want to build a close relationship with them," he said.