PBS deputy president Joachim Gunsalam said this in a statement after the party’s Supreme Council meeting at its headquarters in Donggongon, Penampang, on Monday, Daily Express reported.

He said the meeting also discussed the progress of the proposed collaboration alongside other pertinent party matters and exchanges of viewpoints among Supreme Council members.

“The main agenda is further discussions on the party’s preparations for the state election, which can be held at any time,” he was quoted as saying.

“The meeting was also held to provide further information on the ‘progress’ regarding the proposed collaboration with STAR, where PBS will hold an MoU signing with the party.”

Joachim said the Supreme Council had also unanimously agreed to present the decision made in the meeting of the task force headed by him to PBS president Maximus Ongkili.

Last November, it was reported that PBS and STAR had agreed to start formal negotiations focussed on building understanding and cooperation.

STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan had revived the idea of a merger with PBS, describing it as one way to strengthen the two Kadazandusun Murut-based parties.

Kitingan said the idea of a merger had been floated since the 2020 state election.