KOTA KINABALU: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Rakyat Sabah (STAR) has been characterized as their final attempt to garner support after facing setbacks in recent elections.
Dr. Oswald Aisat, the Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) Vice President, said that PBS and STAR might have come to the realisation that they are losing favor among grassroots voters who are seeking younger leaders.
He pointed out that their leaders have suffered defeats, particularly in Melalap where the PBS Vice President was defeated by the KDM President, and in the 15th General Election (PRU15) where the PBS President was defeated by the KDM Vice President (Datuk Wetrom Bahanda).
When asked about the impact of the official collaboration between PBS and STAR on the strength of KDM, Oswald stated that the PBS-STAR MoU would not weaken the KDM.
Dr. Oswald emphasized that despite being a relatively small party led by Datuk Peter Anthony, they enjoy robust grassroots support.
He expressed skepticism about the potential impact on KDM’s strength, suggesting that PBS and STAR appear to be the ones striving to secure voter support.
He questioned the necessity of signing the MoU when they are sister parties already cooperating within GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), implying that they may have exhausted their alternatives.
Last Thursday, PBS and STAR signed the MoU to enhance political cooperation between the two parties in preparation for the upcoming Sabah State Election.
