KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has embraced the aspiration of the President of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) for the two parties to merge, but thus far it has been regarded as a mere suggestion.
PBS Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam said so far there has been no official discussion between the two parties.
“This merger story is “premature to discuss” due to the absence of an official committee formed to discuss this matter,” said the Chairman of the PBS Task Force in a statement today.
Dr. Joachim, however, said that PBS is actually working with members of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajij Haji Noor, whose members include PBS and STAR.
“This cooperation will continue and intensify in the run-up to the 17th State Election (PRN),” said Dr. Joachim.
He was responding to a statement made by STAR President Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan that STAR is prepared to merge with PBS in order to strengthen a Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) based party prior to the state election (PRN), which is anticipated to take place in two years.
“PBS has been established in this state for the past 38 years. Regarding this merger, it is necessary to get the approval of all PBS members through the Annual congress,” he said.
