“We hope the new local parties can see the reality in taking on the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Peninsular Malaysia parties in Sabah,” he said in a report published on wikiSabah, adding: “We must go for one-on-one fights.”

Gabungan Chairman Mohd Noor Mansoor, a former state finance minister under the Berjaya government, also disclosed that Gabungan will launch its charter on November 20.

“This is in preparation for the next General Election.”

In making the call, Mohd Noor, said however, the three-party alliance will respect any decision by Shafie and Lajim.

Gabungan Sabah was formed in March 2015, and comprises three local parties Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti STAR.

Longtime Borneo Rights advocate Jeffrey Kitingan, who mooted Gabungan, added in a statement on online TV website, TV Sarawak (www.tvsarawak.com) that “one-on-one means Agenda Borneo vs Agenda Malaya in Borneo”.

“Gabungan hopes that Pakatan Harapan (PH) will let the local opposition parties in Sabah tackle Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah,” said Jeffrey.

He was referring to statements by DAP and PKR pledging co-operation with local opposition parties in Sabah and Sarawak. The statements, however, had a caveat, in that PH will keep the parliamentary and state seats it has won so far in Sabah and Sarawak.

The coalition charter next month will be a follow up to party congresses by Gabungan members, namely PCS on October 16, SAPP on October 23 and one held by Parti STAR earlier.

Mohd Noor said Gabungan will form a strong campaign team, drawn from its three parties, initially for Keningau, Ranau and Kota Kinabalu.

Gabungan also includes NGOs as associates members. The APS (Angkatan Perubahan Sabah), UBF (United Borneo Front), Sunduvan Sabah and Mosik (Momogun Movement For Self Determination) have already signed up with Gabungan.

Mohd Noor, added that after the charter launch, several youth camps will be organised to help identify campaign volunteers.