Sabah Umno no longer part of GBS, says Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU: State opposition leader Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (pic) believes that Sabah Umno’s loss of several elected lawmakers will lead to new alliances among political parties in the state and changes in these parties’ relations with the federal government.

He said although Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) is an opposition coalition in the state, he expected it to become Pakatan Harapan-friendly at the national level.

He explained that this is because the Sabah government is led by Parti Warisan Sabah and it will be better for the state’s opposition parties to be on good terms with the country’s ruling coalition in order to keep Warisan in check.

Between the 1970s and 1990, it was common to see rivalry among Sabah parties despite being part of Barisan Nasional, and yet these same parties worked together at the federal level.

Speaking to reporters at the Special State Assembly sitting yesterday, Dr Jeffrey said the nine assemblyman and five MPs who left Umno on Wednesday to become independents, would remain within GBS until they decide on their next political affiliation.

“Sabah Umno (though an opposition party) itself will no longer be part of GBS,” he said.

This means GBS now comprises Parti Solidariti Sabah (Sabah STAR), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and the ex-Umno lawmakers.

He added that the former Umno members may join either a national party or a Sabah-based party.

He pointed out that there is also the possibility of them becoming Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) members if it decides to spread its wings to Sabah.

“We will wait for them to decide. Until then, they remain as independents,” he said.

Dr Jeffrey, the Sabah STAR president, said it is not a problem for GBS to work with the ex-Umno lawmakers led by Sulaman assemblyman Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor despite their pledge of support for the federal government under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the state government headed by Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Noting that five of the ex-Umno assemblymen voted against the proposed amendment to lift the two-term limit on the tenure of the governor, Dr Jeffrey said that it was discussed at GBS level.

The amendment was passed with 45 votes in favour and 15 against. Five assemblymen – including Hajiji and Karanaan assemblyman Datuk Masidi Manjun – were not present during the vote.