KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has shot down the possibility of it joining hands with Parti Warisan Sabah in the upcoming General Election.
Its President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pic) said PBS is and will remain loyal to the local political coalition – Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
While he appreciated Warisan’s interest to work with PBS but the oldest multiracial party in Sabah chose to be totally committed to GRS.
“We in PBS value the political gesture of Warisan n its President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal to co-operate and collaborate for the upcoming general elections.
“But as a local seasoned multiracial party, we are fully committed and totally loyal as a foundation member of GRS and its partners,” said Ongkili in a statement here today
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) added that the political struggle of GRS, as expounded by its Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at its launching last month, was not only noble and timeless, but also rakyat based.
Having said that, Ongkili added: “We invite Warisan and supporters to subscribe to the same goals to truly develop Sabah and secure a prosperous and safe State, free from illegal foreigners.”
He added that any respected local political party in Sabah can subscribe to the goals and aspirations of GRS without seeking to be a member of the GRS family.
“The need for such political collaboration and partnership has never been so urgent than ever before, especially cooperation and solidarity in political unity, not only in Sabah but also with Sarawak as well, ie Malaysian Borneo.
“Let’s start afresh in our search for political unison as exemplified by the founding parties that helped in the formation of the nation back in 1963. Let us learn from previous lessons of unity first practiced by the founding political parties of Sabah in the formation of Malaysia.
“Sabah First, Sayang Sabah and Sabah Bersatu … those are the slogans we should all uphold,” said Ongkili.
It was reported yesterday that Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has reiterated the party’s willingness to work with PBS to face the 15th General Election (GE15.
Admitting that Warisan needs to first put its house in order before pushing the idea further, Shafie said PBS was a local party and among the few it was open to collaborating with for GE15.-
TheBorneoGazette
