Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will contest under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) logo in the coming state election.
PBS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the party’s position to stand firmly with GRS remains unchanged, echoing Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam’s recent assurance that PBS will help strengthen GRS as a united local coalition.
He said PBS supports adopting a single coalition symbol, similar to Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) model, as it reflects unity and political stability among local-based parties.
“Contesting under one logo sends a clear message of solidarity. Going separately will only weaken the purpose of forming a strong local coalition,” he told reporters after the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail launch, here, Monday.
On Star and SAPP’s plans to use own party symbols, Joniston said the GRS’ position on the matter has been consistent.
“If you choose to contest under your own logo, you’re effectively stepping out of the coalition,” he said.
He also said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PBS and Star signed before the last state election remains valid.
“The MoU remains technically binding until it is mutually terminated, as stated in the agreement,” he said.
Joniston said both parties have not met since Star’s exit from GRS, but PBS respects their decision and hopes discussions can eventually take place in the spirit of cooperation.
“There are some efforts being made for possible discussions, but, at this point, I can’t confirm any new developments,” he said.
Joniston, who is also Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman, said PBS remains focused on strengthening GRS and ensuring a stable political environment that supports development and investor confidence in Sabah.