KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 10 -- Three Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-linked figures contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) banner have downplayed concerns over cross-coalition candidacies, describing the arrangement as a reflection of mutual cooperation between party leaderships.

PGRS Karamunting division chief Datuk George Hiew, PGRS Melalap chief Datuk Jamawi Jaafar and Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa - all associated with GRS - said their nominations were made through an understanding between both coalitions to strengthen political stability ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.

The trio's cross-coalition nominations have been described by some observers and grassroots members as "loaned" candidacies, though all three have rejected the term, ins...