PARTI Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan said that his party and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) are not inclined to rush their merger process to ensure the tie-up is conducted in an orderly manner, emphasising the objective of strengthening the parties’ struggle to look after the interests of the Sabah people.

He added the two parties are currently planning joint efforts to hold programmes that can help the people just like the Christmas and New Year 2024 Open House in Penampang today.

“There is great potential for other collaboration after this. We want the people to be able to give their blessing and support so that we can help the people together,” he told reporters at the open house programme which was also attended by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Juhar Mahiruddin.

The deputy chief minister said such collaboration was important to ensure that the time, money and energy of both parties could be channelled to strengthen them and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

“Of course, the support for GRS will increase and the unity of the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus community,” he said.

Meanwhile, PBS deputy president Jahid Jahim said the leaders and members wanted to see the two parties work closely together.

“(The cooperation) is improving day by day, we hope that the understanding of the struggle is clear and that it can be formed precisely,” said Jahid, who is also rural development minister.

On December 13, secretaries-general Julita Majungki (PBS) and Edward Linggu (STAR) said in a joint statement that the parties are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation before Chinese New Year next year. – Bernama, December 25, 2023