He said reports claiming that Kitingan had met him to discuss the possibility of KDM joining the new Gerakan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) bloc – led by former Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties STAR and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) – were false.

“It is not true that KDM will join GBS. I have never discussed this matter with anyone, including Kitingan,” he said in a statement.

“KDM remains firm in its earlier decision to contest solo in the upcoming state election. This decision reflects the wishes of our grassroots, who want KDM to contest independently.

“There is no way we would go against the wishes of the grassroots,” added the Bandau assemblyman referring to the Sabah polls that will be held on Nov 29.

Earlier, a news portal reported that Kitingan said he had discussed the new bloc with several local party leaders.

The Keningau MP said one of the parties he was trying to recruit was KDM, and claimed to have spoken to Wetrom about the possibility of KDM joining GBS.

However, Kitingan said there were some doubts due to KDM’s plans to contest 38 seats in the Nov 29 state election.

KDM was founded by former state minister Peter Anthony, who was a vice-president and founding member of Warisan. Peter is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for forgery.