PENAMPANG: Seats switching between Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) would be one of the strategies in finalising seats for the upcoming state elections.
In April, both parties signed an agreement to forge a political alliance known as 'Best.'
Star president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan stated that the alliance, which is also part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition, has discussed the allocation of seats but has not yet reached any final decisions.
"We are exploring various options, possibilities, and areas where we can win. There is no point in claiming a seat if you have no chance of winning.
"There are also areas where we can switch seats, so we do not confine ourselves to one option," he said, adding that the same applies to demands for the Moyog state seat by other GRS components, which should be based on winnability.
Jeffrey, who is also the state deputy chief minister, was speaking to reporters after launching the Moyog Star office here. In the 16th Sabah State Election, Star and PBS each won six and seven seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
Meanwhile, when asked about rumours of PBS working with Warisan, Jeffrey expressed hope that such a collaboration would not occur, stating, "What is happening now is a provocation, propaganda, and a plan to weaken our unity in the GRS."
Earlier, he said that Star currently has about 30,000 members nationwide. In sustaining the party, Jeffrey said that instead of focusing on monetary rewards, most of its members are volunteers who want to fight for their rights.
"Our sustainability is based on the belief that we are the people who can make a difference, and we cannot rely on others to do it for us.
"I know there are members who are weak, and when offered money, they switch. But I try to instill confidence in them that money is not everything."