PBS, Sabah STAR signal ongoing negotiations, stress avoiding internal clashes

SEAT negotiations between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah Star under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah remain ongoing, with both parties aiming to avoid direct clashes in the upcoming Sabah election.

“At the end of the day, we must ensure that there is no clash between STAR and PBS.

“That’s all,” PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said, adding that any remaining overlapping claims were not difficult to resolve.

Gunsalam revealed that PBS had submitted a “wish list” of more than 12 seats, while Sabah Star was eyeing up to 15, though he stressed that these figures were still subject to negotiation.

“Of course, every party wants to have more seats. But it’s subject to negotiation and finalising,” he said, describing the numbers as part of a broader wish list rather than fixed demands.

Gunsalam said this to reporters after delivering his resolution during the PBS-Star first joint convention held in Penampang on Saturday.

Asked about the possibility of contesting in constituencies held by other GRS components, he cautioned against it.

“No point for us to go for seats which are held by components… you give more opportunity for the opponent rather than for GRS.”

Gunsalam also reaffirmed the importance of GRS contesting as a bloc, and said PBS was open to working with other parties as long as GRS retained dominance.

“GRS must be dominant. It will be good if we can go solo under GRS. But if PBS and STAR go solo without GRS, it’s suicidal,” he said.

He noted that cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could be negotiated, provided PH candidates used the GRS symbol and were allocated fewer than 15 seats.

“If they don’t use our symbol, we are giving away the losing seat,” he said.

While grassroots-level rumours persist about potential clashes, including in seats like Bingkor held by Sabah Star president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Gunsalam downplayed tensions.

“We have already identified, and we have some overlapping, but it doesn’t seem difficult to resolve,” he said, assuring that discussions were being conducted in good faith.

“We are all gentlemen,” he added. - July 12, 2025