KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is always open to work with any state-based parties including Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan).
Its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said PBS was a multiracial party and is constantly on the lookout for political friends and partners with the same aspirations to help Sabahans.
"We should welcome political cooperation for the sake of the people, so long as the intentions are sincere and there are no selfish conditions.
"Therefore, we take note on the political gesture by the president of Parti Warisan Sabah Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to cooperate and work together for the good of all Sabahans," he said in a statement.
On Tuesday, Shafie indicated readiness to work with PBS, describing them as the ideal partner to work with to fight for Sabah's rights.
As a member of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government, PBS is equally open to working with Warisan and Ongkili hoped colleagues in GRS would view Warisan's gesture of cooperation and working relationship positively.
"Of course, PBS is enjoying a good working relationship with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, both through GRS as well as in Perikatan Nasional.
"We are comfortable with these scenarios and able to serve the rakyat in Sabah and nationally through the leadership of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"I hope the nice gesture of political cooperation from Warisan and our PBS response for political friendship on behalf of GRS can improve political stability and socio-economic development in Sabah, ensuring a safer Sabah, especially from illegal immigrants," said Ongkili.
He said PBS stood firm with its political goals, namely multi-ethnic politics, multi-culturalism, state rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, principled political conduct especially in championing the anti-hopping law, protecting and defending the State's security especially against illegals, and ensuring economic progress for the people of Sabah.
He said for PBS, strategic interest must also be taken into account.