KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional firmly denies extending any invitation for political cooperation to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) ahead of the upcoming state election, calling the party a “fading shadow of its former self”.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said PBS had rejected something that was never on the table, dismissing recent remarks by its acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam as “political theatrics”.
“I read with amusement the statement by Datuk Seri Dr Joachim claiming that PBS is rejecting cooperation with Barisan.
“Let me state this clearly, Sabah Barisan has never at any point extended an invitation to PBS to return or collaborate. So the question arises, what exactly are you rejecting?” Bung Moktar asked.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday (June 27), Bung Moktar criticised PBS’ political standing, suggesting the party was no longer influential or credible.
“Once hailed as a defender of Sabah rights, PBS today is but a fading shadow of its former self. Its political identity has eroded through years of inconsistency, jumping coalitions, shifting allegiances, and betraying partners when convenient,” he said.
He accused PBS of attempting to appear relevant by crafting a narrative that Barisan was courting them for cooperation, a claim he described as politically self-serving.
“In reality, PBS has become politically insignificant. It is no longer a leader in Sabah’s political scene … merely a passenger clinging to the coattails of other parties in the GRS government,” Bung Moktar added.
He stressed that Sabah Barisan is only open to working with partners who are consistent, credible, and principled.
“Sabah Barisan does not pursue alliances with parties that lack a clear political compass or credibility. PBS chose to abandon Barisan in the past for its own expedient interests. That chapter is closed,” he said.
Calling for maturity in political discourse, Bung Moktar said PBS should stop “political hallucinations” and focus on real issues affecting Sabahans today.
“This is not the 1990s. Voters today are informed and discerning. There is no need to fabricate stories of rejecting Barisan when no overtures were ever made,” he said.
