KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is keeping its cards close to its chest on the question of a political pact with Warisan.
In a statement today, the party welcomed the overture made by Warisan president Shafie Apdal on the two parties working together, agreeing that it would be in the interest of Sabah.
However, PBS chief Maximus Ongkili stopped short of drawing a roadmap on forging exclusive political ties with the opposition party.
Ongkili, who is Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister, said his party took note of Shafie’s political gesture to work together for the good of all Sabahans.
The Kota Marudu MP, said that being a multiracial-party, PBS was always open to political cooperation with any Sabah-based party for the sake of Sabahans.
At the same time, he said PBS was “comfortable” working with Bersatu through Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
As a member of the GRS state government, he said, PBS was equally open to working with the opposition Warisan, hoping colleagues in the ruling coalition would view Warisan’s gesture of cooperation and wanting a working relationship positively.
“Of course, PBS enjoys a good working relationship with Bersatu, both through GRS as well as in PN.
“We are comfortable with these scenarios and able to serve the people in Sabah and nationally through the leadership of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor.
“I hope the nice gesture of political cooperation from Warisan and our PBS response for political friendship on behalf of GRS can improve political stability and socio-economic development in the state, ensuring a safer Sabah especially from undocumented migrations.”
Shafie had yesterday poured cold water on the possibility of working with Umno, also a GRS party, for now and instead declared his readiness to work with PBS.
The former Sabah chief minister believed that being a local-based party, PBS would be an ideal partner to work with to fight for Sabah’s rights.
The Semporna MP said he was aware of PBS sentiments, desire and struggles, particularly in fighting for Sabah rights, adding that Ongkili is an “old friend.”
In his statement, Ongkili said PBS, well-known for its political goals, defends its stand for multi-ethnic politics, multiculturalism, state rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, anti-hopping law and protecting Sabah against the illegal entry of foreigners, among others.
“We welcome political friends who share these aspirations with us in PBS.
“Hence, we are constantly on the lookout for political friends and partners to make Sabah a better land for genuine people of Sabah,” he said.
He stressed that for PBS, strategic interest must also be taken into account, adding political cooperation for the sake of the people is welcome “so long as the intentions are sincere and there are no selfish conditions”. - FMT
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