SANDAKAN – The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between two major non-Muslim native parties – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR – is not meant as a threat to others under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the collaboration was to strengthen GRS to face the coming state election even though it was “non-negotiable” for the two parties to give up any of the 13 seats they held.
“We are studying the possible seats to contest. Of course, there are certain seats held by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
“Basically, the 13 seats we have at the moment are non-negotiable, the rest… we will discuss,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said the MoU was signed as unity, cooperation and mutual understanding were the key to success.
“We have learned from our mistakes. This MoU is to ensure we don’t repeat our mistakes. We want to achieve the people’s aspirations together.”
This came after the signing ceremony at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang today.
The MoU, signed between Jeffrey and Joachim, was witnessed by Kadazandusun Huguan Siou (paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Among others, the two parties agreed to set up a joint leadership council on policy and decision-making.
They have also agreed to collaborate in training management, information and publicity, as well as to set up a special committee to identify other seats to contest.
The MoU could see a strong front for the Kadazandusun-Murut-Rungus community in the Sabah election, in addition to Pakatan Harapan (PH) component Upko.
There are seven parties under GRS – Gagasan Rakyat, PBS, Sabah STAR, Usno, Sabah Progressive Party, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
However, it is still not certain if GRS is facing the state polls with PH, despite the GRS-PH Plus coalition leading the state. – April 18, 2024