PBS and Sabah STAR set to begin unity and cooperation talks

KOTA KINABALU: Major native-based parties Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR are set to begin discussing strengthening cooperation and unity at the grassroots level.

In a joint statement on Thursday (Nov 16), secretaries-general Datuk Julita Majungki (PBS) and Datuk Edward Linggu (Sabah STAR) said the discussions would be held in response to calls from the grassroots to foster strong and sustainable cooperation and to increase support for and strengthen Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

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They added that the talks were also a follow-up to a proposal for closer ties made before the September 2020 snap state election.

The decision to begin official talks was reached during a meeting involving the leaders of both parties on Wednesday (Nov 15), the statement said.

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Among the leaders representing PBS in the talks will be Julita, Information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Women's wing chief Datin Malianah Ugau and Youth chief Christoper Mandut.

Sabah STAR will be represented by Linggu, vice president and strategic director Dr Paul Porodong, Information chief Datuk Jalumin Bayogoh, Women's movement chief Datuk Flovia Ng and Youth chief Kong Soon Chai.

The first official meeting will be held soon, the statement added.

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PBS, led by Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, holds seven state seats and one parliamentary seat; while Sabah STAR, led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, has six state seats and a parliamentary seat.

The two parties mainly hold native Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus seats, and there has been talk of them merging in recent months.

In July, Kitingan had suggested a merger, but the recent PBS congress proposed working together instead.