KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR have no intention of severing ties with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Dismissing claims that these two component parties intend to contest independently in the upcoming state election, GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai affirmed that PBS and Sabah STAR remain committed to the coalition.
The claims originated from a viral post and video featuring doctored news clippings that falsely suggested PBS and Sabah STAR were planning to go solo.
Bangkuai described the rumours as nothing but a desperate ploy by certain irresponsible groups determined to destabilise GRS.
"It is a desperate attempt by certain irresponsible quarters hell-bent on breaking GRS because of the increasing support for local parties to continue leading the state government.
"Irresponsible parties have edited the headlines in a pathetic and desperate attempt to paint a false narrative," he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 2).
Bangkuai said the regular meetings with leaders of the coalition's component parties held by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, is evidence of their strong and cordial relationships.
Bangkuai also urged supporters and the public to ignore the misinformation and continue supporting the GRS coalition as it works to represent the interests and aspirations of Sabahans.
