New Alliance In Sabah Warisan Denies Kitingan Says No Comment

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Rumours are swirling that Warisan and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) are in talks to form a new alliance, driven by their shared stance against peninsula-based political parties in Sabah.
While Warisan vice-president Terrence Siambun has denied such discussions, Star president Jeffrey Kitingan remained tight-lipped, responding only “no comment”.
In a statement to Malaysiakini, Siambun said speculation tends to arise as elections draw near.
However, he reaffirmed that Warisan remains committed to its core principles and the interests of the people of Sabah.
“Any formal discussions or strategic decisions will be communicated through official channels,” he added.
To clarify further, Siambun stated that the matter has not even been raised at Warisan’s supreme council level, underscoring that no such talks have taken place.
Warisan veep Terrence Siambun“Sabah’s political landscape has always been fluid, and conversations between political leaders are not unusual. However, at this point, Warisan has not engaged in any discussions with Star about forming an alliance.
“We urge all parties to refrain from spreading baseless speculation. Should there be any developments, Warisan will ensure transparency in communicating accurate information to the public,” he said.
‘Gabungan Parti-Parti Sabah’
According to certain sources, both parties are allegedly considering an alliance under the banner of Gabungan Parti-Parti Sabah (GPS).
Star president Jeffrey KitinganCurrently, Star is part of Chief Minister Hajiji Noor’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which has been shaken by a corruption scandal.
The postponement of GRS’ meeting last week to finalise seat allocations for the upcoming 17th state election has fueled further speculation, particularly due to the absence of key leaders.
Seat negotiations are critical for GRS, a coalition comprising eight component parties. Its major players include Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan) with 26 assemblypersons, PBS with seven, Star with six, and both the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) with one representative each.
Madani-model in Sabah
Adding to the political tension, Usno president Pandikar Amin recently urged GRS to contest the election solo - a stance echoed by both Kitingan and SAPP president Yong Teck Lee.
On Feb 22, The Star, citing insider sources, reported that Kitingan and PBS, led by acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam, are pushing for their parties to contest up to 25 seats allocated for the native Kadazandusun, Murut, and Rungus communities under the GRS banner.
The report states that negotiations for seats not held by GRS are also tough due to growing support for the coalition to form an electoral pact resembling the Madani federal coalition.
GRS holds 42 seats, while Sabah Pakatan Harapan controls seven.
GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun, who was one of those implicated in the video scandal, claimed that some party leaders are busy with the ongoing parliamentary sitting.
He added that no alternative date has been set for the meeting.
"We are in no hurry," he told The Star. - Mkini

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