A NEW Sabah political bloc is slowly coming together under the title of “Gerakan Bersatu Sabah (GBS)”, led by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
The formation follows the split of STAR and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) earlier this month, a fallout that exposed deep dissatisfaction over seat deals with federal allies Pakatan Harapan.
Jeffrey confirmed that talks are ongoing with several local-based parties to formalise the new alliance, likely just before nomination day on November 15.
The Sabah election will take place on November 29.
“We are formalising it under the name Gerakan Bersatu Sabah. I’ve met several party leaders, Anak Negeri, Perpaduan, PKDM, and even some Sarawak-based groups that want to support,” he said.
While still in its formative stage, GBS is shaping up as a Kadazan-Dusun-Murut–centred coalition, with STAR and SAPP as its anchors.
The bloc is expected to contest in all 73 state seats, positioning itself as a local alternative to GRS–Pakatan, BN–Pakatan, and Warisan.
On another development, Jeffrey said the group’s guiding principle would be to restore firm state leadership, particularly in the wake of the High Court’s landmark ruling affirming Sabah’s constitutional right to 40% of federal revenue.
“If the federal government decides not to appeal, Sabah will need a strong Chief Minister to negotiate. Weak leadership will only disadvantage us again,” he said.
Jeffrey said he is also closing its doors to work with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) if it decides to leave GRS, adding that it was the hope of PBS founding president and Huguan Siou (The Kadazan, Dusun, Murut paramount leader) for Star and PBS to “move together.” - October 20, 2025
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