KOTA KINABALU: Collaboration between native-based Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR does not signify the formation of a new political bloc, but is instead firmly rooted in efforts to strengthen the existing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the alliance aims to consolidate GRS’ position and ensure it remains a strong, united force ahead of the 17th Sabah state election.
“We are not forming a new bloc. Our partnership with Sabah STAR is about reinforcing GRS’ unity and demonstrating that its component parties can work closely together, not just at the leadership level but also on the ground.
“This collaboration strengthens GRS, and shows that we are serious about building a stable and cohesive government for Sabah,” he said when met after the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo 2025 here on Saturday (June 28).
Bangkuai, who is also the GRS information chief, also clarified that discussions on campaign branding, including the use of logos or banners, are still ongoing.
“Well, that is something that we have yet to decide. But then, our leadership has already more or less implied that it is important for us to contest as GRS candidates.
“That will further emphasise the seriousness of GRS to form the next government. And we have to be contesting under the GRS logo,” he said ahead of the PBS-Sabah STAR (BEST) Convention 2025, which is scheduled on July 12.
Bangkuai added that the PBS-Sabah STAR convention is held to follow up on the Memorandum of Collaboration signed by the two parties in April last year, with the goal of avoiding overlapping seat contests and boosting cooperation ahead of PRN17.
He pointed out that it was important to strengthen cooperation at all levels, particularly among grassroots leaders, as victory in the polls will depend on teamwork and mutual understanding.
“For us to win the election, we must have strong working relationships at every level. This is a sign that GRS parties are capable of cooperating closely, which voters want to see,” he said.
He also rejected political commentary suggesting that PBS was distancing itself from GRS, or was seeking alliances elsewhere.
“We are a founding member of GRS, and our position has not changed. We are focused on making GRS stronger,” he said.
Bangkuai also stressed that the current state government is made up of GRS, its “Plus” partners such as Pakatan Harapan, and some individual Sabah Umno assemblymen, not Barisan Nasional as a coalition.
“The formula we have today is working, and we want to maintain that stability. Barisan is not part of the state government; only certain Umno representatives are, in their personal capacity,” he said.
He urged all parties to focus on building political maturity and delivering results, rather than engaging in unnecessary provocation or speculation.
