THE move to formalise the ruling Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) coalition has hit a stumbling block as the status of Sabah Umno deserters remains unknown at present, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Maximus Ongkili said.

He said GBS can only be registered under the Registrar of Societies after matters pertaining to the former Sabah Umno leaders are resolved.

“We are now going slow on the matter but the subject of political cooperation will continue,” he said in Kota Kinabalu today.

GBS was formed shortly after the 14th general election last year to replace Barisan Nasional in Sabah, and combines PBS, Parti Solidariti Tanah-Airku led by Jeffrey Kitingan and Sabah Umno.

The status of GBS was shrouded in doubt when nine assemblymen and five MPs from Sabah Umno left the party on December 12 last year, although they maintained to be in cooperation with the other GBS component parties.

The coalition was formed on October 24 last year, with PBS former president and founder Joseph Pairin Kitingan serving as the protem chairman.

The group also comprises several independent representatives who were former United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah and Sabah Umno members. – January 27, 2019.