The opposition leader believes building a united political front by way of mergers and dissolution of other parties is not the only way.
The Keningau MP said political cooperation can also be achieved through an alliance of parties such as the Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS), which he has been pushing for since after the 14th general election.
GBS was supposed to comprise former BN component parties, namely Parti Bersatu Sabah, Umno and PBRS. But the effort was shelved after many Umno leaders exited their party and joined PPBM.
“I am all for unity and cooperation, like was shown and proven in the recent Kimanis by-election, which yielded positive results.
“That’s why I have been advocating unity through GBS as the best method to achieve this aim,” Jeffrey told FMT here today.
Barisan Nasional emerged victorious in the Kimanis by-election in January after the Umno effort to retain the federal seat was supported by PBS and Sabah Star.
Yesterday, three parties and a couple of former Upko leaders signed a pact to merge into Gagasan, with Anifah as their president, to form a new political force in Sabah.
The parties were Parti Cinta Sabah, headed by Wilfred Bumburing; Parti Anak Negeri Sabah led by Henrynus Amin; Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah led by Dr Ahtiong Tituh; and Parti Hak Sabah, which is yet to be registered, led by former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang.
Anifah, in his address, had spoken on the need for mergers, pointing out that the coalition formula could be a cause of discord and sabotage among component party leaders when it came to seat distribution during elections.
The former Kimanis MP believed that consolidation of parties would make it easier to arrive at any political consensus.
The leaders of Sabah Star, Sabah Progressive Party and PBS had already refused any merger if it involved dissolving their own parties to make way for Gagasan.
Jeffrey did not dismiss Anifah’s intentions entirely, saying a merger of parties can be the first step to form a stronger coalition.
“All opposition parties have to unite when elections come as it is in everybody’s interest.
“But you cannot force others to follow only your way. If you do that, then you become a dictator with selfish motives,” he said.
Jeffrey had been a key figure in uniting the Sabah parties under a single coalition after the 14th general election.
He had previously also formed Gabungan Sabah, alongside former chief minister Yong Teck Lee, leader of the Sabah Progressive Party, and Lajim Ukin, who was leading Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah. Lajim later dissolved Harapan to join Sabah PPBM.