KOTA KINABALU: PBS president Maximus Ongkili said former Sabah Umno leaders might join the opposition bloc Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) as direct members amid doubts over PPBM’s entry into Sabah.
Speaking to reporters during a PBS Christmas open house here today, the Kota Marudu MP said Warisan’s adamant stand on the issue has left the former Umno leaders in a quandary.
“I think they are in a dilemma. Of course, they want to join PPBM,” he said, adding he was given to understand some have publicly stated their intention.
“But now PPBM may not come to Sabah. So these former Sabah Umno leaders may just become direct members of GBS.
“Warisan will need to sort it out with PPBM. But we are not going to be guided by that.
“We’ll set our own direction. Let them decide their own destiny,” Ongkili said.
PPBM president Muhyiddin Yassin said the party was in talks with Warisan over PPBM’s entry into Sabah.
However, Warisan vice-president Junz Wong yesterday dismissed this, saying no discussion would be held and his party will stick to the earlier understanding that PPBM will not step foot in Sabah.
Ongkili reiterated that GBS will continue, with or without Umno, adding they are still working with the now-independent former Sabah Umno leaders.
“They walked out from Umno, but I think they are unsure where they are. But we are still friends.
“Until they know where they are heading, our side will just move with STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) and PBRS and play our role responsibly, both in Parliament and the state assembly,” he said.
Ongkili said they intend to keep the state and federal governments in check, adding that the parties in GBS will at the same time strengthen their grassroots to prepare for the next election.
Earlier this month, 30 Umno leaders, including four MPs, nine state assemblymen, senators and division leaders, left Sabah Umno, declaring themselves as independents. They expressed support for Pakatan Harapan and Warisan.
– FMT
PPBM is umngok 3.0!
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