Talks of PBS - Star merger resurface

THE idea of merging Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) has resurfaced, with PBS forming a committee to explore its feasibility.

This decision, announced after the PBS Supreme Council meeting, follows informal talks between the leadership of both parties.

Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who chaired the meeting, appointed Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui to lead a committee, which includes several legal experts, for the purpose.

“The committee will look into the technical aspects of the merger, among other things,” PBS Information Chief Joniston Bangkuai said in a statement issued in Kota Kinabalu today.

Bangkuai reaffirmed the party’s commitment to exploring the merger while preparing for the state election scheduled for October 2025.

This comes after PBS and Sabah Star signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration for the upcoming state election, focusing on strategic seat allocations and united campaign efforts in April. 

The merger idea has been long discussed, with the idea mooted last year when several STAR leaders pushed for unification. However, both political groups decided on political cooperation at first. 

PBS founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan expressed hope the parties could eventually come together under “one big house.”

Kitingan is the KDM paramount leader or “huguan siou.”

Both PBS and STAR are seen as predominantly KadazanDusun Murut (KDM)-based parties, which were seen as the ethnic groups as politically fragmented.

This merger talks aim to bridge this divide.

Last week, the PBS-Star Joint Leadership Council (JLC) of both parties held its second meeting to finalise collaboration strategies, including identifying seats to contest and drafting a strategic plan.

“This collaboration has been progressing steadily, and the Supreme Council believes the merger discussion is a natural next step,” Bangkuai added.

Additionally, PBS has decided to postpone its party elections, originally slated for next year, to focus on state polls.

However, Bangkuai did not specify when the internal elections would be held.

PBS currently holds seven state assembly seats, while Star holds six. Both parties have one parliamentary seat each. – December 3, 2024