PBS to Remain with GRS in Upcoming PRN17

26 June 2025

PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will continue its alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the forthcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), reaffirming its loyalty to the ruling coalition.

PBS Acting President, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, stated that the decision was made during the PBS Supreme Council (AMT) meeting held yesterday (25 June) at the party headquarters, where key party matters and strategic directions were deliberated.

“Our position is clear: PBS will continue to operate within the GRS coalition. We are fully committed to this political partnership as we head into PRN17,” he said in a statement following the meeting, which he chaired.

Dr Joachim also reaffirmed the party’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with fellow GRS component, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah), led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

“We believe unity among locally based parties is crucial to ensuring political stability and sustained development for Sabah. Our relationship with StarSabah will continue to be strengthened,” he added.

He further revealed that the majority of AMT members were not in favour of cooperating with UMNO/Barisan Nasional (BN).

The meeting was also attended by PBS Premier Advisor, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who contributed insights on the party’s strategic direction.

“Tan Sri Pairin provided valuable guidance during the Political Bureau meeting. His views on PBS’s ‘Hala Tuju’ or future direction remain of great importance to the party’s leadership,” said Dr Joachim.

The AMT also reviewed the party’s election preparedness and ongoing grassroots initiatives aimed at consolidating PBS’s support base ahead of the state polls.

Dr Joachim reiterated that PBS would remain steadfast in championing local interests, safeguarding native rights, and ensuring Sabah’s voice is represented in national affairs through constructive political engagement.

He called on all party members to stay united and committed to the party’s struggle, urging them to fully prepare for the electoral contest with confidence.