PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said PBS and STAR, whose voter base are the Kadazandusun Murut community, both remain committed to GRS and in the need to put up a united front as a coalition at the polls.

Joniston, who is also GRS information chief, said recent social media posts claiming that PBS-STAR planned to contest the elections on their own was a “desperate attempt” to divide the coalition.

“It is in the open that certain parties had gone into overdrive to spread untruths, baseless claims, and allegations against GRS and the state government led by GRS-Pakatan Harapan,” he said, according to the Borneo Post.

Joniston, a state assistant minister, said ties among GRS component parties had been cordial; however, it was normal for different parties to express their intention to contest as many seats as possible.

“At the end of the day, it is a matter to be deliberated and decided upon when the time comes,” he said.

He also pointed out that among the key points of PBS and STAR’s memorandum of understanding signed in April was to ensure a big victory for GRS at the state elections.