Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on October 25, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah’s opposition parties have formed a coalition, Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS), with the aim of taking over the state in the next general elections.

The GBS said the coalition consists of four major parties — Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Umno Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

The leaders from the four parties have agreed to appoint PBS president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan as interim chairman, it said in a statement.

The heads of the other component parties are deputy chairmen, namely Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili (deputy president tasked to carry out the duties of PBS president), Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor (Umno Sabah chairman), Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Star Sabah president) and Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (PBRS president).

Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun is GBS’ secretary general, Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Said Keruak treasurer and Datuk Jonistan Bangkuai information chief.

PBS has six seats in the state legislative assembly, Umno 10, Star Sabah two and PBRS one seat making a total of 19 seats. The state government controls 36 seats, made up of 27 seats from Parti Warisan Sabah and nine seats from Pakatan Harapan. There are three independents in the assembly.

“The formation of GBS is crucial as an umbrella for assemblymen of political parties,” it said.

“GBS, which is ready to take over from the existing illegitimate government, also wants to ensure that Malaysia and Sabah remain harmonious and united; improve the state’s socio-economic development; and, uphold and practise the national principles,” it added.

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