KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) would ultimately become a local-based merger party, said Star president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
In a joint statement yesterday, both parties had agreed to commence discussing collaborations.
"That (the merger) is the ultimate objective, but there are processes to be followed and we will take it step-by-step.
"However, there is no deadline for that," he told the media after launching the Pet Kingdom Expo at Sabah International Convention Centre here.
When asked whether other Kadazandusun Murut parties would be joining the pact, Jeffrey said that they are open to it.
The deputy chief minister said there are too many political parties in Sabah.
"Rather than competing (against each other)... after all, we are fighting for the people and their rights.
"Why not sit down and find a way on how to unite because if we are not united, people out there will ask why people are told to unite, but politicians are disunited. We need to show some examples. "
Earlier during his speech, Jeffrey said the pet industry, which estimates two-thirds of Malaysian pet owners spend more than RM200 each month on their pets, could be a significant economic contributor to the economy.
"Our abundant natural resources in agriculture and fisheries position us to help develop high-quality, nutritious pet foods.
"By leveraging these sectors, we can reduce pet food costs, making pet ownership more affordable in Sabah."
Present were Sabah Veterinary Services department director Normah Yusop, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Environmental Health director Syron Tunggolou and MX Event Hub managing director Nico Chan.