Seats, candidates seen as hurdle for PBS-STAR merger

 

PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said a potential merger must be deliberated and discussed thoroughly by the Supreme Council of both parties.

PETALING JAYA: Seat distribution and candidate selection would be a challenge for any merger between Parti Bersatu Sabah and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), a PBS leader said today.

The party’s information chief, Joniston Bangkuai said these two matters were a notorious source of internal discord within coalitions.
However, he backed the merger of the two parties, saying it would be a strategic move in view of the state’s dynamic political landscape.

Any move to foster unity and strengthen the ruling coalition of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah deserves to be supported, he said.

The idea of a PBS-STAR merger was revived yesterday by STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan as one way to strengthen the two Kadazandusun Murut-based parties.

Joniston said in a statement today that “unity within a political alliance bears unique importance in Sabah’s political arena. A consolidated front could potentially curb divisive actions and disputes over seat allocations.”

Kitingan had admitted that there were several challenges that must be overcome before a merger could take place, including the name and logo of the merged party and who should head it.

Joniston agreed, adding that the success of a merger hinged on “exhaustive discussions and agreement on pivotal matters like the new party’s name, symbol, and leadership structure.”

“I believe the idea should be first deliberated and discussed thoroughly by the Supreme Council of both parties on the way forward.”  - FMT