Gabungan Chairman Datuk Mohammad Noor Mansoor said he hoped the other local political parties will open their hearts to build a stronger coalition as the alliance is currently participated by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
"We have talked to them (other parties) and we are constantly in communication with them, but we cannot force anyone to join us.
"We must open our hearts and the other parties should open their hearts as well. If they don't learn from the previous election, then I don't know when they will learn," he said during the launching of the Gabungan Sabah Charter at Hakka Hall, here, Sunday.
Apart from Mohd Noor, the charter was signed by SAPP President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Star President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and PCS President Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing.
Mohammad Noor said unity and mutual understanding is the key to bring change in the State, saying "there should be no problem if only Sabahans are united as proven in the State's political history."
He said the people in the State will be weak without unanimity.
"If we are not united, then we will lose Sabah. If this happens, what will happen to the next generation? We shall not have a legacy to pass down to them."
As such, he urged the people to take proactive actions for the sake of the next generation.
"Put aside anything else as what's more important is the State. It is our responsibility to protect its sovereignty as little by little our autonomy powers are being eroded.
"This is the time for us to set in our hearts to change for the better. Remember, the situation will not change if we do not change," he said.
He also reiterated that Gabungan Sabah is Sabahans' best opportunity to bring change.
"Sabah is ours and success will not come if they don't work or take actions. We should start working from now.
"We have opened a way for unity among us and should not depend on others as Sabah problems can only be solved by Sabahans."
He also reminded the members in the alliance to go to the ground and explain to the grassroots on their mission.
"Meet as many people as possible. It is our responsibility to ensure that Sabah remain ours. Remember that this is our best chance," he said to the applause of more than 2,000 attendees.
The charter outlined the commitment of PCS, Star and SAPP to combine their efforts to promote and achieve their core struggles.
During the launching, Gabungan Sabah also revealed its 15-point core struggles for the State.
Among them are equal partner and full autonomy for Sabah, Sabah IC, resolving Sabah claims by the Philippines, oil rights, revenue rights, land commission and land tribunal, empowering agriculture and fisheries communities, combating corruption, scrapping cabotage policy and homeland security.
Also present were Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah President Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin and other local parties' representatives and NGOs.
By Ricardo Unto
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