
Unified political approach needed in Sabah, says Joniston Bangkuai
The Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief stated that parties opting to run solo in the upcoming state elections are not acting in the people's best interests.
Speaking to villagers at a meet-the-people session in Kiulu on Saturday (July 19), he said the unified approach under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has proven effective in governing the state inclusively and stably, with a focus on long-term development.
"The GRS government is moving in the same direction as the GPS government in Sarawak, which is formed by local parties representing all races. This approach is the best for Sabah," said Bangkuai.
"If we look at Sarawak, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) holds a clear majority but still chooses to work with other parties to develop the socio-economy of Sarawak jointly. Not alone," he said.
On Parti Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Malaysia's (KDM) plan to stand alone, he called it a political tactic that goes against the aspirations of Sabahans.
"We do not deny any party's right to stand on its own, but at the end of the day, the people will judge based on results," Bangkuai said, adding that stability can only be achieved when local parties work together, not compete against each other.
"If we want to bring about a mature political approach, it must be followed by a willingness to work together and compromise, not move alone and deny collective strength," he added.
He also reminded the public how Warisan and KDM had been willing to collude with Umno in an attempt to topple the state government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, which he said prioritised personal political interests over the state's stability.
"Such actions do not reflect leadership that puts people first but rather undermine public confidence and distract from the focus on the development agenda," Bangkuai said.
He reiterated that under Hajiji's leadership, the GRS government has shown that a coalition of local parties can function well and has achieved many successes, such as increasing state reserves and rolling out welfare initiatives.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Fredian Gan poised to lead Melalap under GRS banner
Fredian Gan TENOM (July 23): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), a major component party of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has endorsed Datuk Fredian Gan as its candidate for the Melalap state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, citing his deep community roots and proven leadership as key assets for the constituency's future. Fredian, a native of Melalap with strong connections to the Chinese and Murut communities, is widely seen as a unifying figure who can bridge ethnic divides and spearhead development initiatives long awaited by Melalap residents. Coming from a family respected in the region, Fredian's late father was a pioneering tailor and businessman who served as chairman of the Tenom Chinese Chamber of Commerce and also held leadership roles in local schools such as Chung Hwa Primary and Tenom Tshung Tsin Secondary School. On his maternal side, he is the great-grandson of the late Datuk Sanggau Jalang, who was appointed as the first Native Chief of the Murut Timugon group by the British colonial administration. The Sanggau family remains one of the most influential clans in Melalap, enhancing Fredian's unique position as a cultural bridge. Fredian's siblings remain actively involved in a variety of business activities within the district, including running a restaurant, sundry shop, beauty and hair salon, as well as ventures in plantations, transport and contracting. This strong family presence in local commerce further anchors Fredian's deep ties to the community. Fredian brings with him decades of experience across both public and private sectors. Beginning his career at Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) and Standard Chartered Bank, he later transitioned to Sabah's civil service, where he held key roles including Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB). He retired as the Deputy State Secretary (Development). Currently, he is the Group CEO of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, where he is credited with leading growth and innovation. PBS highlighted several reasons why Fredian is their top choice to contest Melalap: Born and bred in Melalap, with a deep understanding of local challenges. Decades of leadership experience in government and corporate sectors. Respected across ethnic lines by community leaders and grassroots. A long-time advocate for development in Melalap, even before entering politics. His candidacy is driven by a sense of duty rather than political ambition. Represents a symbol of unity between Murut and Chinese communities. Seen as a key figure to help GRS consolidate support in the interior.


Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Daily Express
Kunak candidate up to Chief Minister: Usno division head
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: KUNAK: The United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) Kunak Division is prepared to leave the decision on the most suitable candidate for the Kunak seat to the discretion of the Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Usno Kunak Division Chief Hussein Ibnu Hassan said candidate selection should be based on grassroots majority sentiment, taking into account current issues being raised by opposition parties. 'The selection must also consider local issues, including any controversies involving specific individuals. To ensure the election machinery can effectively counter these issues, the candidate chosen should not only be popular, but also free from any perceptions or controversies that could undermine public support,' he told Daily Express, Tuesday. He said Usno is open to accepting any decision by the GRS Chairman regarding which component party will contest in any given seat, including the Kunak seat. 'We are open to the decision, but it is important that the individual chosen is not entangled in multiple issues or controversies, as that could affect the candidate's chances of winning,' he added. Hussein, who is also Usno Vice President, said as a GRS component party in Kunak, Usno maintains good relations with fellow coalition parties, including Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), even though there may occasionally be differences of opinion. 'Differences of opinion are normal in any party, but Usno is confident that minor internal issues among component parties can be resolved, unless they involve individuals entangled in controversies beyond the party's control,' he said. 'If the incumbent from Gagasan Rakyat is fielded again to contest in Kunak, we leave the decision to the voters during the election. Let them decide,' he said. He also said Usno had previously submitted a proposal through its President for an Usno candidate to contest the Kunak seat. 'Ultimately, the final decision rests with the GRS Chairman on which component party will contest here,' he added. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Daily Express
No maritime border change without Sabah's consent: Shafie
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Shafie said Sabah's claim over areas such as Sipadan and Ligitan had previously been upheld at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on strong legal and historical evidence, including British-era records and community presence on the islands. Kota Kinabalu: Any decision on maritime boundary changes, particularly involving the Ambalat Block, must go through the Sabah Legislative Assembly and cannot be decided unilaterally by the Chief Minister, says Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. Raising the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, the Semporna MP reminded the Government that Sabah has historical, legal and constitutional rights that must be upheld, citing Article 2 of the Federal Constitution, which requires consent from the State Assembly for any border amendments. 'This is about trust in nation-building. The law must be enforced. The Chief Minister does not have the absolute power to agree on maritime boundary shifts, whether in Sulawesi or elsewhere,' he said. He stressed that while Sabah's legal team may be involved in negotiations with Indonesia, all decisions must be democratically approved by the State Assembly. Shafie said Sabah's claim over areas such as Sipadan and Ligitan had previously been upheld at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on strong legal and historical evidence, including British-era records and community presence on the islands. On the economic front, Shafie criticised the longstanding imbalance in petroleum revenue sharing, saying Sabah has only received five per cent oil royalties since the Petroleum Development Act 1974 came into force. 'During my time as Chief Minister, we imposed a sales tax — that's how the Government earned an additional RM2 billion to RM3 billion,' he said, adding that maritime development talks must also clarify what economic benefits Sabah would receive. 'Will there be jobs? Will upstream or downstream activities be offered to Sabahans? We don't want Sabahans questioning the returns while others benefit,' he said. He called on the Prime Minister to be transparent about what Sabah stands to gain from any negotiations involving maritime development with Indonesia. 'This country would not have been formed without Sabah and Sarawak. If this region contributes to Malaysian territory, then we must ensure Sabah is not sidelined,' he said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia