KOTA KINABALU: The entry of Datuk Peter Anthony (pic) and his new party to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will strengthen the coalition, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

       He said the matter of the former Warisan vice-president joining up would be discussed among GRS leaders soon.

       “We have not discussed this but I believe it will be done soon,” said the Sabah STAR president.

       He felt there was a positive side to welcoming Peter into the fold.

       “The state government is hoping to see unity among leaders in the political arena,” he explained.

       Prior to this, he said he tried to woo Peter to join Sabah STAR, but was turned down.

       Peter announced the formation of his new party, the pro-government Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (Parti KDM), earlier this week.

       Meanwhile, GRS component Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) urged the coalition to strengthen its own ties before thinking of forging new alliances.

       Its secretary-general Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said it would not be wise to accept everyone without knowing for sure their political agendas and loyalties.