PBS, STAR reaffirm commitment to GRS, dismiss collaboration with UMNO, BN

28 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) have reaffirmed their commitment to working closely within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition as preparations intensify for the upcoming state election.

In a joint statement issued after a meeting yesterday, the two parties said their focus remained on strengthening GRS, maintaining political stability, and ensuring continued progress and development for the people of Sabah.

The meeting, jointly chaired by PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, reaffirmed both parties’ stand of not working with UMNO/Barisan Nasional in any form of political collaboration for the upcoming election.

The statement further highlighted UMNO’s repeated hostile remarks towards the GRS-led Sabah government, as well as its continued attempts to undermine and belittle the local coalition.

“This consistent stand reflects our commitment to safeguarding the identity and integrity of PBS, STAR, and GRS as a coalition led by Sabah-based parties,” the statement said.

While acknowledging a formal political arrangement between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and UMNO ahead of the polls, PBS and STAR stressed that GRS had never been part of such a collaboration.

“Political decisions concerning Sabah must reflect the people’s mandate and aspirations without external influence. The trust Sabahans have placed in GRS is built on its independence, and maintaining that trust requires clear boundaries from political arrangements made outside the state,” it stated.

On seat allocations, PBS and STAR underscored the importance of a fair and respectful approach within the coalition. They noted that while GRS currently holds 41 seats, the coalition’s priority must be on maintaining and expanding this strength.

They also reaffirmed that the GRS supreme council’s decision for the coalition to contest 55 seats must be honoured, noting that any reduction might affect grassroots confidence.

The parties further proposed that all GRS component party candidates contest under the coalition’s logo, saying it would make sense for the coalition to go into the election as one team.

“By respecting each other’s roles, upholding shared principles, and prioritising the voices of Sabahans, we believe GRS can move forward stronger, more united, and better positioned to serve the people of Sabah,” the statement added.