PBS agrees to GBS but with conditions

KOTA KINABALU - Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has agreed to the formation of a new opposition bloc called Gabungan Bersatu Sabah which brings together four parties including Umno, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

But PBS deputy president Maximus Ongkili said its agreement came with four 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 Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said, referring to the alliance formed by former Barisan Nasional parties in neighbouring Sarawak in the aftermath of the May 9 elections.

The second condition is that only parties with elected representatives can join the alliance.

“Thirdly, Sabah Umno 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 on the people,” Ongkili said during a party function in Kota Marudu.

Ongkili also said PBS wanted GBS to have some rules of engagement without too much formality.

He said GBS should act as an alternative to Warisan and its allies in the government.

Ongkili said PBS would meet with presidents and leaders of the other parties ahead of the official announcement, and would propose its founder Joseph Pairin Kitingan to be the new coalition’s interim chairman.