THE Borneo states’ two opposition blocs – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) – have sealed a “political partnership” to “pursue issues of common interest”.

PBS president Maximus Ongkili and his delegation flew to Kuching today for a meeting with GPS chairman and Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg at his office in Wisma Bapa, Petrajaya.

“We (PBS) are here to strengthen our network with GPS by exploring and discussing common issues, collaboration and cooperative arrangements on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” Ongkili said in a statement.

Leaders from both sides also discussed joint efforts in defending the rights of both states and its people, as contained in the MA63, during the hour-long meeting.

Ongkili said a working committee would be formed between the two parties to review the status of the MA63, including its historical aspects, implementation and erosion.

The committee, he added, would also reach out to youth in Sabah and Sarawak through seminars and workshops.

“This is to allow the younger generation to be fully informed of the historical aspects of the MA63, as well as the events that led to the formation of Malaysia,” he said.

Ongkili added that PBS also concurred with Sarawak’s stand on no negotiations on “non-bargainable issues”, namely immigration, land rights and natural resources.

Last week, the Kota Marudu MP disclosed that a meeting was planned between PBS and GPS leaders for a joint push on full compliance of the MA63.

Ongkili had said he wanted Sabah to be more like Sarawak in its fight for state rights.

“I think, to be honest with you, PBS is envious of the strong position that the Sarawak government is taking in respect of protecting its state rights,” he had said at the PBS Chinese New Year open house.

He had also said that the only way to realise the full compliance of the MA63 was for both Sabah and Sarawak to work together.

At the meeting were Sarawak deputy chief ministers Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and James Jemut Masing and PBS deputy presidents Radin Malleh, Yee Moh Chai, and Jamilah Sulaiman.

Others present were PBS vice-presidents Johnny Mositun, Almudin Kaida and Peter Mak; PBS secretary-general Jahid Jahim; PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai; PBS Women chief Anita Baranting; PBS Youth chief Christopher Mandut; and, PBS assistant treasurer-general Julita Majungki. – February 14, 2019.