PBS-STAR cooperation can strengthen support of KDMR parties

KOTA KINABALU: The cooperation between and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) can strengthen the support of Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) ethnic-based parties ahead of the upcoming 17th state election.

Sabah STAR deputy president Datuk Robert Tawik said that both parties are aligned in advocating for all issues and demands for the rights of Sabah under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, including infrastructure issues for the development of the people.

“The collaboration that has been established is timely because the current political scenario requires a coalition of parties capable of uniting the support of the people not only for the current government but also for the components of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),” he said when met on Thursday.

Robert, who is also Assistant Works Minister and Bingkor assemblyman opined that both parties will continue to provide solid support to the leadership of Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, who is also GRS chairman in the 17th state election.

According to him, all aspects of party administration, including matters related to seat negotiations, should be discussed harmoniously to ensure the continued strength of GRS.

“There is no concept of us competing against other component parties within GRS. We are in agreement with the PBS leadership to ensure negotiations are conducted to determine the number of seats to be contested and to mutually respect the decisions made,” he stressed.

He added that both PBS and STAR Sabah are optimistic about the relevant number of seats that correspond to the strength of the party capable of contributing towards victory in state elections.

“Nevertheless, it is still too early to think about seat allocations as the state election is expected to only take place next year, and what is important at this time is to focus on the development agenda for the people of this state,” he clarified.

PBS and STAR Sabah have forged a political alliance known as BEST, an acronym representing the names of both parties, Bersatu and Solidariti.

This collaborative effort, within the GRS coalition, was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on Thursday.

The MoU was signed by PBS Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, representing President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, along with PBS Secretary-General, Datuk Julita Majungki, and STAR Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, and STAR Sabah Secretary-General Datuk Edward Linggu.

The BEST collaboration is grounded in five core pillars aimed at strengthening political cooperation. These include joint efforts to address key issues in Sabah, the establishment of a Joint Leadership Council (JLC), sharing of information and leadership training, and the formation of a Strategic Committee.

This strategic partnership underscores the commitment of both PBS and STAR to work together for the betterment of Sabah, reflecting their dedication to unity and progress within the state. PBS and STAR Sabah, each with seven and six State Assembly seats, respectively, are components of GRS along with other parties Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Sabah National Organization (USNO), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat), and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Meanwhile, Robert extended his condolences to Datuk Arthur Kurup and his family on the passing of his father, Tan Sri Joseph.