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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 47344, member: 636"] Two political parties will work closer together ahead of Sabah state elections. PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the partnership between his party and STAR aims to make their current coalition stronger. The July 12 grassroots meeting will bring members from both groups together. Bangkuai spoke to reporters Saturday after a tourism conference launch. He stressed the cooperation helps Gabungan Rakyat Sabah rather than creates a separate political group. Party leaders want their grassroots members to build better relationships before the next vote. Strong ties between PBS and STAR make the entire eight-party coalition more powerful. Bangkuai said contesting under the GRS name remains their top choice for upcoming elections. The coalition wants to keep control of the state government. Working together shows voters they can form the next administration. Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin recently said his party never asked PBS to join forces. Bangkuai responded that PBS never claimed to receive such an invitation. He pointed out that Umno president Zahid Hamidi left the door open for future talks with GRS. Some Umno assembly members already serve in the current state cabinet as individuals. Bangkuai criticized Umno for changing positions about working with GRS. The party sometimes refuses cooperation but other times shows interest. PBS believes any major decisions must involve all coalition members. The party sees no reason to pursue partnerships with groups that reject working together. [/QUOTE]

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