KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has claimed that Warisan has been trying to lure its seven assemblymen to hop over to its side.
Party secretary-general Datuk Jahid Jahim confirmed that PBS reps, including himself, have been harassed throughout the day.
"It's suffice for me to say that they have been calling us all day long.
"But we will always remain intact," said the Tamparuli representative.
Asked whether they have been offered money and positions, Jahid said that he could not say more, but said that “they tried”.
Meanwhile, in a statement on their official Facebook page, PBS said: “The dust has yet to settle on the appointment of the chief minister and there are now rumours and slander targeting PBS.”
It emphasised that it will not be joining Warisan Plus to allow Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to form a new state government and become chief minister.
PBS also claimed that Warisan had offered money and positions to the seven PBS assemblymen.
In a separate post, PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the party will not be forming any new alliances.
“Ever since the formation of PBS 35 years ago we have rejected the habit of party hopping and unprincipled leaders.
“We have always groomed and shaped principled leaders who hold steadfast to the struggles of PBS,” he said.
PBS is part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, who along with Perikatan Nasional (PN) with 17 seats and Barisan Nasional (BN) with 14 seats, plus three friendly independents, are expected to form the next state government.
Warisan has won 29 seats and also has the support of PKR (2 seats) and Upko (1).
Earlier, PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai refuted viral news reports that PBS is leaving GRS to form an alliance with Warisan Plus. – The Vibes, September 27, 2020.