KIULU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STARSABAH) must remain united to maintain their current seats and secure more in the upcoming state election, said PBS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He emphasised that unity within PBS-STARSABAH is the defining factor in ensuring continued political influence within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
“Without solidarity, our aspirations will remain just a dream.
“The collaboration between PBS and STARSABAH is an opportunity for us to work together and strengthen GRS in the next state election.
“This partnership should not be misunderstood,” said Joniston, who is also GRS information chief, at the Himpunan Solidariti STARSABAH N.15 Kiulu here yesterday.
The event was officiated by STARSABAH President and GRS Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. Among those present were STARSABAH Secretary-General Datuk Edward Linggu and Kiulu STARSABAH Division Chief Terence Sinti.
Joniston highlighted that maintaining the seats PBS and STARSABAH have secured is a priority, as these constituencies represent the trust and mandate given by the people.
“With our continued collaboration, the seven seats won by PBS and six by STARSABAH must remain ours,” said the Kiulu assemblyman.
He stressed that PBS and STARSABAH aim not only to defend their seats but also to expand their presence.
“What we want to see is an increase in seats allocated for PBS and STARSABAH, and this is where unity plays a key role,” said Joniston, while acknowledging that party leadership will engage in discussions within GRS to strategies on seat distribution.
He added that the existing cooperation within the 13 seats won by PBS and STARSABAH is a strong foundation that should be further reinforced.
“When our number of seats increases, we gain strength, and this is our opportunity to support the leadership with our collective backing further,” he said.
He added that the response to the PBS-STARSABAH collaboration has been tremendous and well-received by the people, which augurs well for its objective of ensuring a convincing victory for GRS.
On April 18, 2024, PBS and STARSABAH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation for the state election, with Dr Jeffrey and PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam reaffirming their commitment to bridging political divides.
