KUCHING: A meeting between leaders of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) here yesterday has paved the way for political partnership in pursuing issues of common interest.
PBS, led by its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, and GPS by its chairman, who is also the Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, lasted for about an hour, and touched on several key issues concerning both states.
“We (PBS) are here to strengthen our networking with GPS by exploring and discussing common grounds to pursue ongoing efforts in collaboration and cooperative arrangements as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” said Ongkili after the meeting at the Chief Minister’s office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, here.
During the meeting, leaders from both sides also discussed future joint efforts by finding common interests, especially in defending the rights of both states and its people as per MA63.
“A working committee will also be formed between PBS and GPS to review the ground status of MA63, including its historical aspects, as well as the implementation and erosion of the agreement’s contents,” he said.
The committee, he added, would also be reaching out to youths in Sabah and Sarawak through seminars and workshops.
“This is to ensure the younger generations are fully informed of the historical aspects of the MA63, as well as the events that led to the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
Ongkili added that PBS also concurred with Sarawak’s stand on non-bargainable issues such as on immigration, land and natural resources.
Also at the meeting were Sarawak Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, PBS deputy presidents Datuk Seri Radin Malleh, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, and Datuk Jamilah Sulaiman.
Others were PBS vice presidents Datuk Johnny Mositun, Datuk Almudin Kaida, Datuk Peter Mak, PBS secretary-general Datuk Jahid Jahim, PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, PBS women chief Datuk Anita Baranting, PBS youth chief Christopher Mandut, and PBS assistant treasurer general Julita Majungki.
