PARTI Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has proceeded to form an opposition bloc, to fight for the rights of Sabah and Sarawak, without Umno.

PBS deputy president Dr Maximus Ongkili said Gabungan Bersatu also comprises independent MPs and assemblymen from the two states.

He said this was done as the earlier consensus with Umno to form an alliance, comprising PBS, Umno and and Sabah Star, did not materialise due to the Barisan Nasional component’s failure to come to a decision on the matter.

“I was told that the Sabah Umno leadership is still keeping in view the proposal to join the alliance. It needs to get permission from the central leadership… Unless they quit Umno, they can’t freely join the bloc.

“I was also told that they are seeking autonomy, which is unclear… what do they mean by ‘autonomy’, and to what extent?

“Based on feedback from the grassroots, we believe that as long as Umno is with us, the alliance will not go far,” he told reporters after officiating at the Labuan PBS annual general assembly today.

The former minister said Gabungan Bersatu, unlike other pacts, does not need to be registered, as it is a “consensus alliance”.

He said the bloc’s main agenda is the Malaysia Agreement 1963, as well as the devolution of power.

“Umno’s uncertain stand aside, we will continue working together for the people and the state, especially in Parliament.”

Ongkili did not rule out the possibility of Kimanis MP Anifah Aman, who recently quit Umno, joining Gabungan Bersatu.

“I met him two days ago and asked him to join the bloc. I am optimistic that if Anifah joins, the bloc will grow. But, we will have to wait for his announcement.” – Bernama, September 30, 2018.