KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): Sabah opposition political parties have formed a coalition called Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) in a bid to win the state in the next general election.

In a statement today, GBS said the coalition consists of four major parties, namely Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Umno Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star Sabah) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

GBS said it will be finalising its formal constitution and mode of conduct soon, but leaders from the four parties have agreed to appoint PBS president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan as the interim chairman, while all heads of the component parties will be deputy chairmen.

They are 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 has been appointed as GBS's secretary-general, Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Said Keruak as treasurer and Datuk Jonistan Bangkuai as information chief.

GBS said the remaining members of parliament and assemblymen will later be appointed as committee members.

"The formation of GBS is crucial as an umbrella for assemblymen of political parties who were part of the legitimate state government led by Tan Sri Musa Aman and most importantly remain united in the pursuit to fight for justice albeit the rightful chief minister," it said.

"Ready to take over from the existing illegitimate government, GBS 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.

GBS also said that if it came to power, it will "fully cooperate" with the Pakatan Harapan government and work "closely together in the best interests" of Malaysia and Sabah.

"GBS will be addressing the fears and concerns of Sabahans from the mess created by the illegitimate government and resolve the mess.

"Five months into power, the Parti Warisan state government has created nothing but [a] mess in Sabah, thus showing that it is incapable of running the Sabah government, including with its many U-turns and flip-flop policies and have created a big chaos," it said.

The coalition said the flip-flop policies included the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED), Kaiduan Dam, uplifting of pump-boats ban and revisiting the proposal to mine coal in the pristine world heritage site of Maliau Basin and to use coal as source of energy.

GBS said the coalition provides Sabah an alternative alliance to form the government and govern the state "well, fairly and equitably".

"GBS is all set to work hard together to face and win the next general election, when it happens," it said.

"GBS also hopes to establish a bi-partisan DUN (state legislative assembly) select committee to deal with Malaysia Agreement 1963, oil and gas, homeland security, undertake a census of foreign and transient population in Sabah, devise a scheme to assist PTPTN students including a scheme for PTPTN students who have repaid partially or fully their PTPTN loans' and establish a Council of Eminent Persons (Sabah) to review mega projects including TAED and Kaiduan Dam," it added.