Pairin stays on as GBS adviser

By Olivia Miwil - November 20, 2018 @ 4:06pm

Joseph Pairin Kitingan/NSTP file picture.

KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan will stay on as adviser of Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS).

Pairin, the founder of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), announced his retirement as president at a recent party congress here.

GBS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said: “It has been announced many times that he (Pairin) is now the adviser. But, the designation becomes relevant when the organisation is registered.

“Until and unless GBS is registered , no reference should be made to it, implying that it is a functional legal entity,” he said.

Last month, PBS, Umno Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR Sabah) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) joined forces to form the alliance.

Former chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman is also a GBS adviser.

The coalition’s deputy chairmen are PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Umno Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, STAR Sabah president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and PBRS president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

The alliance has stated its aim is to fighting for Sabah’s full autonomy and protect its rights in Malaysia as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

GBS, which comprises 10 members of parliament and 21 assemblymen, also said that it would cooperate with the Pakatan Harapan-led Federal Government in the interest of a New Malaysia and Sabah.