KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR are working to resolve differences over unity and seat distribution as the 17th state election approaches.
Both parties aim to address overlapping seat claims and ensure cooperation under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
Acting PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the party is eyeing about 12 seats, while Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said his party is considering contesting fewer than 15 seats under the GRS banner.
While acknowledging some overlaps remain, both leaders said these issues are being resolved internally and do not pose a major hurdle.
Speaking during the joint PBS–Sabah STAR Convention, they confirmed a mutual agreement not to contest seats currently held by either party.
“We have already identified the overlapping seats, but they are not difficult to resolve.
“We want to ensure there is no clash on the ground between PBS and Sabah STAR candidates. Don’t worry about it, we are all gentlemen,” said Dr Gunsalam
He added that both parties will also avoid seats currently held by other GRS components to preserve unity.
PBS currently holds seven seats, while Sabah STAR holds six of the 73 elected seats in the assembly.
Asked whether they support a GRS-led solo run in the state election, Dr Gunsalam said it would only make sense if all component parties contest as a bloc.
“If PBS and STAR go solo, it’s suicidal. But if GRS as a whole contests solo, that is acceptable. What’s important is for GRS to remain dominant,” he said.
Kitingan echoed the sentiment, saying he preferred GRS to contest under a single banner.
“The earlier solo announcement by GRS received good support. It removes complications,” he said, adding that seat allocations for Pakatan Harapan should be limited to “15 and below.”
“If they don’t use the GRS symbol, we would be giving away losing seats,” he said.
Both PBS and Sabah STAR are primarily targeting native non-Muslim majority areas, estimated at between 23 and 25 seats.
Discussions are ongoing not only between the two parties but also with other GRS component parties to ensure a united front in the upcoming polls.
“Our main focus is to ensure a GRS victory. We are not being picky … the goal is to select the best candidates for the coalition as a whole,” said Dr Gunsalam.
