PBS forms opposition ‘Gabungan Bersatu’ without Umno


Based on the feedback from the grassroots, we felt that as long as Umno is with us, the alliance will not go far

(Daily Express) – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is forming an opposition bloc known as “Gabungan Bersatu” with independent Members of Parliament and state assemblymen from Sabah and Sarawak without having Umno in it to fight for Sabah’s rights.

Its Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pic) said early consensus with Umno to formalise a Sabah alliance comprising PBS, Umno and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) did not seem to work out as Umno has yet to give its final decision.

“I was told that the Sabah Umno leadership is still keeping in view the proposal to join the alliance as it needs to get the permission from its central leadership …unless they (elected MPs and assemblymen) resign from Umno, then only they can (freely) join the alliance.

“However, I was also told that they are also seeking for an autonomy, of which is very unclear … what do they mean with autonomy and to what extent of the autonomy?

“Nonetheless, based on the feedback from the grassroots, we felt that as long as Umno is with us, the alliance will not go far,” he said to reporters after officiating the Labuan PBS annual general assembly, here, Sunday.

The former federal Minister said the alliance would not be similar to other the alliance which requires registration, but rather a consensus alliance agreed upon by its members.

Maximus said the main agenda of the alliance would be on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and devolution of power.

“Despite Umno’s uncertain stand, we will continue working together for the people and the State, especially in Parliament,” he said.

Maximus also did not rule out the possibility of the former Foreign Minister and MP for Kimanis Datuk Seri Anifah Aman joining the alliance amid recent news report claiming that he was considering Pakatan Harapan as his new political platform.

“I met him two days ago and offered him to join the the Sabah and Sarawak bloc. I am optimistic that if Anifah joins the alliance, the bloc will grow, but we will have to wait for his announcement,” he added. – Iffah Dilaney



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