Both Warisan, KDM conspired with Umno: GRS
Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: KIULU: Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the united approach under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has proven effective in governing the state in an inclusive, stable, and development-focused manner. 'The GRS government is now moving forward much like Sarawak's GPS government, which is formed by local parties representing all communities. This is the best model for Sabah.
Advertisement 'If we look at Sarawak, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) holds a clear majority but still chooses to work together with other parties to jointly develop Sarawak's socio-economy — not go it alone,' he said. Joniston, who is also the Information Chief for both GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), said this during the Papawantai Taasok Ceremony and Community Leaders' Gathering with the People of Mukim Lembah, Saturday. Commenting on the recent announcements by Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) to contest solo, Joniston described it as a political tactic that reflects a direction inconsistent with the aspirations of the people of Sabah. 'We do not deny any party's right to contest on its own, but ultimately, the people will judge by the outcomes — and stability can only be achieved when local parties choose collaboration over competition. 'If they are truly advocating for mature politics, that must be accompanied by a willingness to cooperate and compromise... not by acting alone and disregarding collective strength,' he said. Joniston also reminded the public that Warisan and PKDM had previously colluded with Umno in an attempt to overthrow the government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor — a move he said clearly prioritized personal political interests over state stability. 'Such actions do not reflect leadership that puts the people first. Instead, they undermine public confidence and disrupt focus on development efforts,' he said. Joniston said the GRS administration under Hajiji's leadership has proven that a coalition of local parties can function effectively, achieving significant milestones such as boosting the state's financial reserves and implementing various welfare initiatives. In the Kiulu constituency, he said rural development continues to advance under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development blueprint, including agricultural road upgrades to improve access to farms and remote villages. 'We acknowledge there is still a lot of work to be done, and we do not deny the existence of challenges such as water, electricity, and infrastructure. But we take full responsibility and will keep moving forward,' he stated. He urged the people to continue supporting leadership that has delivered results, and not to be swayed by political decisions made in the interest of certain parties that could jeopardize the state's stability. * 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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Daily Express
G57 seeks royal inquest into Zara's death with memo to Malay rulers
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 Text Size: Zulkarnain outisde the Istana Negara on Wednesday KUALA LUMPUR: NGO Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) has submitted a memorandum to the Istana Negara on Wednesday, calling for a royal-backed inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir. Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said the move seeks to address public doubts and ensure justice is served transparently. Advertisement He said key questions remain, including why no post-mortem was conducted and why Zara's clothes, which could have been evidence, were returned to be washed by her mother. He added that disturbing speculation online including claims that Zara was put in a washing machine prior to her death has only deepened public unease. G57 also offered to fully fund legal aid for the family, with Zulkarnain personally pledging to sponsor Zara's mother for umrah. He said the group is not questioning the police but stressed the public deserves clarity and transparency, free from 'hidden interference'. Advertisement 'Zara wasn't my child, but as a father, her loss hits home,' 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
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Bung: Sabah Umno won't be rushed into alliances without clear strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Despite having the autonomy to decide, Sabah Barisan-Umno will not rush into forming alliances with any party or coalition without a clear and well-defined strategy ahead of the state election, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. The Sabah Umno chief said the party is mature enough that it will not panic and make hasty decisions like their opponents. 'Sabah Barisan-Umno has autonomy, yes, but we are also mature. We understand the meaning of unity, not only at the federal level but also at the state level. We are not hasty in announcing something without strategy. 'We do not follow the panicked rhythm of our opponents — those who argued yesterday, pose for photos together today, and return to backstabbing each other tomorrow,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6). Bung Moktar was responding to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice-president Arthur Sen's recent statement, who criticised Bung Moktar for using PBS as a political provocation, calling his conduct childish and unfounded. 'He (Bung) acted like a child… saying he does not want to work with PBS. But when did PBS apply to work with you?' Arthur was quoted as saying. Bung Moktar said he was amused by Arthur's remark, stressing that Barisan-Umno knows what it is doing and does not need any party, including PBS, to offer unsolicited advice. 'We know when to act, who to work with, and when to stand on our own. We have been consistent from the beginning — we don't want to work with parties that lack dignity, are insincere, and have a history of betraying their fellow comrades. 'Sabah Umno has had enough experience of being stabbed in the back, and this time, we will not turn back,' he said. 'We are not sulking. We are not threatening. We are preparing.' Bung said the GRS-led government has failed to deliver on basic needs, with unresolved water issues, unreliable electricity even in towns, and worsening roads. He added that the economy remained weak, investors are pulling back, and young people are leaving the state. 'GRS is not a unity government — it's a government in panic, scrambling for new alliances and trading principles just to stay in power,' he said.
Daily Express
9 hours ago
- Daily Express
No need for new talks, just political will to implement MA63: Madius
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 Text Size: KUALA LUMPUR: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau ( pic ) has urged the Federal Government to implement the 40 per cent revenue entitlement due to Sabah under Article 112C and the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution without further delay. He reiterated the call while debating the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday. Advertisement Madius questioned why the agreed financial rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain unfulfilled despite being constitutionally guaranteed. The Upko Honorary President said Sabahans should not continue to suffer from underdevelopment and poverty due to the failure to deliver the promised revenue returns. He pointed out that more than 80 per cent of the country's RM1.3 trillion debt has been spent in Peninsular Malaysia, while resource-rich Sabah remains inadequately funded. The former Sabah Deputy Chief Minister stressed that Sabah could independently fund basic infrastructure and economic development if it received its rightful 40 per cent share. Advertisement He also questioned the status of proposed 12MP projects and the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on undocumented migrants in Sabah, which he said still lacked clear updates. * 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
