PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said the agreement inked in 2024 remained in effect until both parties mutually agree to suspend or dissolve it.

He also pointed out that among the main objectives of the MoU was to further strengthen the GRS coalition.

“I believe a meeting between both parties needs to be called because Clause 5 of the MoU states that ‘the MoU shall be binding on the parties (PBS and STAR) until they have mutually agreed to suspend and/or dissolve the same’.

“It must also be noted that among the objectives of the MoU was to help further strengthen GRS as STAR was also a component member of the coalition,” he told FMT.

The MoU was signed on April 18, 2024, by STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan and PBS acting president Joachim Gunsalam, both of whom are deputy chief ministers.

Kitingan had said the agreement had GRS chairman and chief minister Hajiji Noor’s complete support and that it would ensure the two Kadazandusun Murut-based parties would not clash in the upcoming state polls.

Earlier today, GRS confirmed that STAR and the Sabah Progressive Party had left the coalition because they disagreed with the electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan.

Kitingan had contended that GRS should go solo in the state election, saying this was based on grassroots sentiment.