Sabah parties pursue unity plan

But observers are sceptical that such a new coalition will materialise in Sabah given the divergent views of each party and their priorities.

KOTA KINABALU: There is an attempt to group at least seven Sabah-based political parties with its own new symbol and line-up under one umbrella body like the Barisan Nasional.

The first meeting was supposed to have taken place yesterday in Kota Kinabalu with Pertubuhan Perpaduan Rakyat Kebangsaan Sabah (Perpaduan) hosting and taking the lead.

However, FMT learned, that only five parties sent representatives to a meeting at an undisclosed location and that they have agreed to set another date for a second meeting to examine the feasibility of such a coalition.

President of Perpaduan, Jack Giau, when contacted, refused to comment, however his secretary-general, Fedilis Wan, confirmed there was a meeting yesterday but that they would meet again soon.

He declined to comment further but it was learned each party has its own template for such an affiliation.

Observers are sceptical that such a new coalition will materialise in the near future in Sabah given the divergent views of each party and their priorities.

Usno Baru president, Dulli Tiaseh, when contacted yesterday, said his party will have nothing to do with a seven-party coalition for the time being.

“I don’t want to be involved. Yes they have invited (us),” was all Dulli said in a text to FMT.

Beside Perpaduan, the other three parties that were said represented at yesterday’s inaugural meeting were Parti Kebenaran Sabah, Parti Ekonomi Rakyat Sabah (PERS) and Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS).