KOTA KINABALU: Two major partners of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are eyeing a bigger stake in the non-Muslim native seats to contest in the coming state election.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR want not only to defend the current 13 seats, but are ready to take on more ethnic Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus majority seats.
"What we want to see is an increase in seats allocated for PBS and Sabah STAR," PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said, adding that both parties are working together to solidify its unity to strengthen GRS in the coming polls.
Bangkuai, who is also GRS information chief, said the existing cooperation between the two parties has seen PBS delivering seven seats and Sabah STAR six seats in the last state election.
"When our number of seats increases, we gain strength, and this is our opportunity to support the leadership with our collective backing further," he said.
"We must remain united to maintain our current seats and secure more seats in the upcoming state election," said Bangkuai during the Himpunan Solidariti Sabah STAR at Kiulu in Tuaran, about 60kms from here.
The event held over the weekend (Feb 24) was officiated by STAR President and GRS deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Deputy Chief Minister I.
The Kiulu assemblyman said the unity within PBS-Sabah STAR was a defining factor in ensuring continued political influence within the right party GRS coalition.
"Without solidarity, our aspirations will remain just a dream.
"The collaboration between PBS and STAR is an opportunity for us to work together and strengthen GRS in the next state election.
"This partnership should not be misunderstood," Bangkuai said, adding that the memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties on April 18, 2024 had received strong backing from the people.
PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Kitingan signed the MOU to reaffirm their commitment to bridging the political divide between both parties that hold sway in the non-Muslim native constituencies.
He acknowledged that respective party leaderships will engage in discussions within GRS on seat distribution.
There are between 23 to 25 non-Muslim native majority or mixed seats in the 73-seat state assembly.
