PBS rejects working with BN in Sabah polls

 Joachim Gunsalam says the majority of the party’s Supreme Council members voted against cooperating with the coalition.

PBS acting president Joachim Gunsalam said the party would remain loyal to GRS and strengthen ties with Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR). (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has ruled out working with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming 17th Sabah state elections.

Acting president Joachim Gunsalam said the decision was made after a majority of the party’s Supreme Council members voted against forming an alliance with BN, Bernama reported.

He said PBS remains committed to the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

“PBS also reiterates its commitment to strengthening ties and cooperation with GRS component Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), led by Jeffrey Kitingan,” he was quoted as saying in a statement today.

BN and Pakatan Harapan have announced an alliance for the Sabah polls, prompting GRS to threaten to go solo.

GRS and PH are currently allies in the Hajiji Noor state government, while BN sits in the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as PH chairman, has since called for PH-BN to work with the state coalition.

Sabah Umno, which previously rejected working with GRS, recently said it was open to a collaboration if the ruling coalition approaches seat negotiations with sincerity.

The current term of the Sabah state assembly expires on Nov 11. - FMT