GRS accuses Warisan of hypocrisy
Published on: Mon, Aug 11, 2025 Text Size: Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu (PBS) Information Chief said while Warisan has the right to contest all 73 state seats, politics should not be reduced to a game of one-upmanship. Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan's claim it wants to contest all 73 seats in the coming state election so as to block peninsula-based parties interfering in Sabah politics smacks of hypocrisy, says GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He recalled the party's action in teaming up with peninsula-based Umno in the failed attempt to unseat the Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor-led State Government in January 2023.
Advertisement 'Wasn't Warisan's move in the 'Langkah Kinabalu' plot to give Umno a lifeline? 'Warisan's action shows it is prepared to do anything that serves its interest,' he said. Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu (PBS) Information Chief said while Warisan has the right to contest all 73 state seats, politics should not be reduced to a game of one-upmanship. 'Even in Sarawak, PBB could govern independently but chose to form GPS for a more inclusive state government,' said the Kiulu assemblyman during a meet-the-people session in Kampung Ranau-Ranau in his constituency.
Advertisement He also said political stability from the very first day after polling is critical to ensuring that the government can immediately focus on serving the people. Joniston stressed that Sabah's political realities demand an end to post-election horse-trading, which risks delaying the urgent work of governing. 'We must be realistic. The priority is to have a stable government from day one, without endless bargaining or prolonged negotiations after the election. 'The sooner we have clarity, the sooner we can get to work,' he said. He noted that just as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah works closely with Pakatan Harapan (PH) today, such cooperation safeguards Sabah's voice at the federal level while ensuring the state remains steady in its own governance. He stressed that the partnership is built on mutual respect, with Sabah's leadership and decision-making firmly in the hands of GRS. 'When the state and federal governments can work in sync, Sabah gains in funding, development, and policy support. That's what matters to our people,' he said. Joniston said only with stability can the government fully focus on solving pressing issues, from improving rural infrastructure to ensuring a reliable water and electricity supply and creating more economic opportunities for the people. He added that consistency in principles is essential to earn and keep public trust, especially when safeguarding Sabah's autonomy. While acknowledging that the people's mandate will ultimately shape the next government, he said GRS is committed to placing Sabah's stability and development above political brinkmanship. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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