KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has refuted claims that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) plan to contest independently in the next state election.
GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said both PBS and STAR are committed to Sabah's ruling coalition.
"It (allegations) is a desperate attempt by certain quarters hell-bent on dividing GRS because of the increasing support for local parties to continue leading the state government," he said in a statement.
Previously, a video, showing doctored news clippings claiming that PBS and STAR would contest on their own, went viral.
Joniston said "certain parties" have gone into "overdrive" to spread lies about GRS and the state government.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also the GRS chairman, regularly meets leaders of parties in the state government.
This, he said, reflected the cordial relationship between the parties.
"It is common for parties to express interest in contesting as many seats as possible.
"(But) at the end of the day is, this will be deliberated and decided upon (together) when the time comes," added Joniston, who is also PBS information chief.
He said ensuring GRS' continued success is among the key objectives PBS and STAR agreed to in a memorandum of understanding inked between the two parties.
"Our focus is on delivering good governance and development for the people of Sabah, and we will not be distracted by these unfounded allegations," he affirmed.
Joniston called on the public to ignore the false claims about PBS and STAR, and continue supporting GRS.