At the joint PBS-STAR meeting.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as both parties prepare for the upcoming state election.
Following a meeting chaired by PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and STAR President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday, both parties stressed their focus on strengthening GRS, maintaining political stability and ensuring continued progress for Sabah.
The two parties also reaffirmed their stand of not working with UMNO/Barisan Nasional in any form of political collaboration for the upcoming election.
The meeting also took note of UMNO’s repeated hostile statements against the GRS-led State Government and its constant belittling of the local coalition.
This consistent stand reflects both parties’ commitment to safeguarding the identity and integrity of PBS, STAR and GRS as a coalition led by Sabah-based parties.
While the parties understand a formal political arrangement between PH and UMNO in facing the upcoming State election, PBS and STAR stress that GRS has never been part of such a formal collaboration.
Both parties believe that political decisions concerning Sabah must reflect the people’s mandate and aspirations without external influence.
The trust Sabahans have placed in GRS is built on its independence, and maintaining that trust requires clear boundaries from political arrangements made outside the state.
On seat allocations, PBS and STAR emphasised the importance of a fair and respectful approach within GRS. While GRS currently holds 41 seats, the coalition’s focus must be on maintaining and expanding this strength.
PBS and STAR also reaffirmed that the decision made by the GRS supreme council that the coalition contesting 55 seats must be honoured, as any reduction would risk undermining grassroots confidence.
In line with this, PBS and STAR suggested that all GRS component parties’ candidates contest under the GRS logo, as going into the election as one team only makes sense.
Both parties believe that by respecting each other’s roles, upholding shared principles, and prioritising the voices of Sabahans, GRS can move forward stronger, more united, and better positioned to serve the people of Sabah.
