Sabah STAR-PBS merger good but needs further deliberation, says Bangkuai

KOTA KINABALU: The idea to merge Sabah STAR and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) could symbolise a strategic transformation and strengthen the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (BRS) coalition, said Datuk Jonistorn Bangkuai.

The PBS information chief supported the idea and said any idea or move that could promote unity and strengthen the GRS should be supported.

This came after Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan spoke about the potential merger during the launch of its national convention and 7th anniversary in Penampang near here, Saturday (July 1).

"I believe the idea should be first deliberated and discussed thoroughly by the supreme council of both parties on the way forward," said Bangkuai.

He said taking into consideration Sabah's dynamic political landscape, the fusion of PBS and STAR could symbolise a strategic transformation.

"In the 2020 state elections, there were seats where PBS and STAR contested against each other," he said of the state polls where PBS secured seven seats and STAR captured six.

Bangkuai said the perpetual challenge of seat distribution and candidate selection, a notorious source of internal discord within political coalitions.

He said this harkened back to a similar pact preceding the 2018 General Elections involving PBS, the then United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), despite all three parties being integral members of Barisan Nasional.

"Unity within a political alliance bears unique importance in Sabah's political arena. A consolidated front could potentially curb divisive actions and disputes over seat allocations," he said.

"The key consideration is unity and that it can potentially reinforce the GRS state coalition," Bangkuai said.

While the merger proposition garners intense interest and scrutiny, its successful implementation relies on exhaustive discussions and agreement on pivotal matters like the new party's name, symbol and leadership structure, he said.

"As long as it promotes unity and strengthens the GRS, I support the idea," he concluded.