PBS dismisses defection talk, invites Warisan to join PN

 

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has dismissed suggestions that the party will be forming a new government with Warisan.

According to PBS president Maximus Ongkili, this was because his party was solidly behind the Sabah Perikatan Nasional government led by Hajiji Noor.

Instead of defecting, Ongkili (above) said PBS' position was that Warisan should join PN, either as a member of the coalition or a partner, in order to help develop Sabah.

Ongkili said his party's top brass had participated in a two-hour "courtesy" call with Hajiji yesterday.

"Our discussions touched on many issues concerning GRS and matters of state government and administration, especially on Covid-19 and the economy.

"We assured him that PBS will give its full support to the chief minister and that the party machinery will give full cooperation to the implementation of the "Sabah Maju Jaya" strategies for development," he said.

According to Ongkili, his prior statements concerning cooperation with Warisan had been misread. He explained that his statements had more to do with the spirit of friendship for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

He said Warisan was welcome to join the PN coalition if it wishes to contribute to the nation's development.

"We (at PBS) are happy to become a host or sponsor for Warisan to be part of the PN coalition. Come, work with us under PN.

"Besides, it is difficult for PBS and Warisan to form a new alliance or have any idea of a coalition because we have different identities and political roles.

"PBS has always been known to champion issues on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the people's security and illegal immigration and these became the party's identity since its formation 36 years ago," Ongkili added.

Currently, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah - a subset of the national PN coalition - rules Sabah, controlling 48 out of the 79 Legislative Assembly seats. PBS currently controls seven seats.

Even if PBS were to defect, it would not be enough to topple the GRS/PN Sabah government. - Mkini