SAPP secretary-general Richard Yong We Kong said PBS had explicitly stated that GBS is only for parties with elected representatives.
As such, SAPP, which has no representatives, cannot join GBS but can extend its support.
Yong welcomed the formation of GBS that consists of mainly ex-Barisan Nasional parties and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), which is also a fellow member in Gabungan Sabah.
“The Gabungan Sabah central council has already discussed the formation of GBS.
“We shall keep an open mind about co-operation with GBS and other Sabah local parties and leaders to fight for Sabah rights.
“We have been consistently committed to promoting Sabah’s rights for the last 10 years outside the then BN coalition government,” he said here today.
Besides SAPP and STAR, Gabungan Sabah also includes Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS) and Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS).
Earlier today, PBS president Joseph Pairin Kitingan formally announced the formation of GBS, which comprises PBS, Sabah Umno, STAR and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
The new partnership, he said, is aimed at fighting for full autonomy for Sabah and to protect its rights stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The formation of GBS is crucial as an umbrella for assemblymen of political parties which were part of the legitimate state government led by (former chief minister) Musa Aman.
“Most importantly, we remain united in the pursuit of justice for the rightful chief minister.
“We are ready to take over from the existing illegitimate government,” he said.
Musa is challenging the validity of Warisan president Shafie Apdal’s appointment by Sabah governor Juhar Mahiruddin as chief minister following the May 9 polls.
Lawyers from both sides will make oral submissions and arguments tomorrow in the High Court here on the originating summons in the dispute over who is the rightful chief minister of Sabah.
‘What can new group do?’
Meanwhile, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), a former Gabungan Sabah component party, questioned what more GBS could do for Sabah rights when most of its members had failed to do anything about it when they were in BN before.
Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) deputy president Maijol Mahap.
Its deputy president, Maijol Mahap, said a majority of the GBS members were under the BN administration for decades.
“It crossed my mind that if they get the opportunity to lead the Sabah government again, what else can they do when they couldn’t achieve it when they were with BN.
“They brought up the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and greater autonomy as their platform for their struggles.
“But after years being in a position that favoured them (to bring change), what have been their achievements in these issues?”
Maijol said GBS had accused the Warisan-Pakatan Harapan state government of failing to do its work but also showcased its weaknesses.
“But don’t forget that this is a new government that has ruled for only five months. Surely a lot of changes need to be made and will take time?
“As such, the people should give a chance to Chief Minister Shafie Apdal and his team to bring changes to Sabah.
“All his efforts to develop the state and bring revenue must be supported,” he said, adding that Shafie also has good relations with the federal government.
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