PBS sets conditions for partnership

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KOTA MARUDU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has agreed to the partnership through a proposed alliance with three other political parties in the state.

Dubbed the Gabungan Bersatu Sabah, or GBS in short, the oldest multiracial party in the state will be meeting with presidents and leaders from Umno, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (Sabah STAR) soon ahead of its official announcement on their future political undertakings.

“In our recent meeting, we have agreed to propose Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the founder and President of Parti Bersatu Sabah, as the alliance’s interim chairman, while presidents and heads of the other component parties will be deputies,” said PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili here yesterday.

Speaking when witnessing the oath-taking of PBS Tandek and Matunggong Division Committee members, Maximus, however, said that PBS’ agreement to the partnership came with conditions.

“PBS will accept GBS as a formal but simple alliance, without any constitution. It is just an agreement among the participating parties, just like Pakatan Harapan or the Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said.

He added that secondly, the participating members of GBS must be parties with assemblymen or members of parliament who won their seats in the recent 14th general election.

“Thirdly, Umno Sabah has to sort out its dual role. As it is now, Umno is still a member of Barisan Nasional, but is also partnering with us in GBS, so we fear this will only cause further confusion among the people,” he explained.

Lastly, Maximus said PBS wants GBS to have some rules of engagement without too much formality.

“GBS is a firm alternative to Parti Warisan and its components,” he said.

Maximus added that other details pertaining to GBS and their next step would be announced later this week.

On another development, Maximus, who is also the member of parliament here, urged PBS members to stay loyal and persist in fighting for the party’s struggle.

“Our struggles are sincere and pure. We must continue fighting for the good of Sabah and Sabahans,” he said.