PARTI Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has denied social media claims that it is dumping Barisan Nasional (BN) to join forces with Warisan Plus to form the new state government, said Joniston Bankuai

In a statement, the PBS information chief said the party remains an ally of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which won 38 seats, including PBS’ seven.

“PBS would like to categorically deny claims that it is joining forces with Warisan Plus to form the government.

“PBS, as an equal partner in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, remains firm with its allies – Perikatan Nasional (PN) and BN,” said Joniston.

The veteran journalist retained the Kiulu seat after defeating Upko chief Madius Tangau.

The speculation over PBS’ position came about due to uncertainties over who will be the next Sabah chief minister.

Though PN and BN are allies, the campaign between both sides have been uneasy in the Sabah elections.

PN chief Muhyiddin Yassin had said Bersatu state chief Hajiji Noor was its choice while BN had pushed for Bung Moktar Radin, its state chief.

In yesterday’s elections, parties in GRS won a total 38 seats, enabling them to form a government with a simple majority.

Their closest rival, the Warisan Plus coalition, won 30 seats, with component parties DAP and Upko winning six and one each, while ally PKR snatched two seats.

This gives them a total of 32 seats overall. 

Independents won three seats.

GRS is made up of PN which won 17 seats, Barisan Nasional (14) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (7). – September 27, 2020.