PENAMPANG: The formalised collaboration with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) aims to further strengthen Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the collaboration of both parties would not threaten the existing coalition.

"Some say that when PBS and Star work together, it will threaten other party.

"But ultimately, our goal is for GRS government to consolidate the power in Sabah and to make it Sabah First, Sabah Prosper, Sabah Forward and Sabah United," he said during the signing ceremony at Hongkod Koisaan.

Jeffrey also said that GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had given his 100 per cent support towards the collaboration of both parties.

"If we strengthen GRS, we will also strengthen everyone."

Jeffrey, who is also Tambunan assemblyman, said the collaboration is also to identify winnable candidates and prevent clashes during the upcoming state election slated to be held next year.

He said that a task force had been formed to let candidates decide and negotiate on potential state seats.

The deputy chief minister also said that if such collaboration had been done earlier during the last state elections, both parties might have secured three times the existing 13 seats won by them.

Jeffrey also said that a joint leadership council would look into policy making decision and would share media dissemination.

The event was witnessed by Huguan Siou (paramount leader of Kadazan Dusun) Tan Sri Huguan Siou, who is also the founder of PBS.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1039695/pbs-and-star-collaboration-will-strengthen-grs