GRS rejects Anwar's BN pact, citing voter confusion and 'three-way love affair'
Masiung (left) during a meeting with community leaders in Tongod on Monday.
TONGOD - Gagasan Rakyat Vice President Datuk Masiung Banah has rejected Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's idea of forming a political pact between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN), ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election.
He made clear that a partnership involving BN was not feasible, stressing that it would confuse voters and undermine existing understandings between GRS and PH. As Sabah prepares for its 17th State Election, shifting alliances among GRS, PH, BN and PN are shaping what could be one of the state's most complex and consequential polls. Bernama photo
'It is impossible for an understanding to be reached because it will confuse voters. GRS and PH have already reached a consensus to continue their political collaboration,' he told reporters after meeting community leaders in Tongod on Monday.
Masiung pointed out that if such a three-way alliance were to materialise, GRS and Gagasan Rakyat would still refer to Anwar's own statement made on May 11 in Tawau, where the Prime Minister had entrusted Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor with leading the seat negotiations.
GRS and PH, he said, have already developed a close and effective working relationship in governing the state.
He was also firm in describing the proposed coalition with BN as a 'three-way love affair' a relationship Gagasan Rakyat is not willing to enter.
'GRS and PH Sabah have already developed a strong political cooperation in managing the previous State Government administration.
'GRS has also lost trust in BN-Umno for previously betraying the alliance with GRS and PH through the 'Langkah Kinabalu' move,' he said.
Referring to the political manoeuvre known as Langkah Kinabalu, Masiung accused BN leaders of fanning hostility and undermining GRS since the incident.
'Since that event, which the party's leaders orchestrated, they have continued to stir animosity and belittle GRS using various tactics and strategies,' he added.
Masiung also highlighted that Umno-BN Sabah had already announced their decision not to work with GRS.
'We hope the Prime Minister respects our stance and honours his promise to leave the seat negotiation process in the hands of Hajiji, as the GRS Chairman, to manage discussions with coalition parties ahead of the State Election,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Peaceful Assembly Act under review after clause ruled unlawful
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is reviewing the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 following the Federal Court's ruling last month that a key provision of the law is unconstitutional. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government is examining all provisions of the Act to ensure they align with democratic principles, human rights, and the nation's current needs. "Any decision regarding the Act will be made with careful consideration, taking into account the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. "This will also include considerations related to maintaining public order, national security, and the rights of others," he said. Saifuddin was responding to Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (PH–Tebrau), who asked whether the government was prepared to abolish the Act in light of the court ruling. On July 1, the Federal Court ruled it was unconstitutional to criminalise the failure to notify the police five days in advance before holding a peaceful assembly. Former Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 imposes a penalty that goes beyond what is allowed under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech, assembly, and association.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Third week of Dewan Rakyat session dominated by debate on RMK13
KUALA LUMPUR: The third week of the Dewan Rakyat session has been dominated by debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) as government and opposition Members of Parliament discussed various aspects of national policy, implementation, and the country's development direction for the next five years. The debate was focused on the three main pillars of the RMK13: economic growth, public welfare, and effective governance. Cross-sectoral issues are also being addressed, including regional development, renewable energy, climate change, youth mobility, education, cybersecurity, and the inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak in the national development framework. As of yesterday, 78 MPs have participated in the debate, including Government Backbenchers Club Chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak). Among the topics raised by the MPs are a flexible, choice-based approach to the proposed monthly pension payments through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the drafting of a special act for preschool education, and a comprehensive and structured national creative economy or 'orange economy' policy to drive growth in the sector. On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the 13MP, themed 'Reshaping Development.' The government will need to provide an investment of RM611 billion to drive national development from 2026 to 2030. According to the Dewan Rakyat calendar, the RMK13 debate will last for eight days, from Aug 4 to 14, followed by a four-day winding-up session by ministers from Aug 18 to 21. Another key focus of this week's Dewan Rakyat session was the briefing by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz regarding reciprocal trade negotiations with the United States. This followed a new tariff rate for Malaysia of 19 percent, effective Aug 1, which is a six percent reduction from the rate announced by the US on July 7. Tengku Zafrul emphasised that Malaysia did not sacrifice national interests to get preferential treatment. Instead, the negotiations with the US maintained the uniqueness of national policies, and Malaysia did not agree to all of the US' requests concerning digital trade and technology. However, he noted that Malaysia must remain prepared for the possibility of additional tariffs being imposed by the US on the semiconductor industry. Other issues that received attention in the Dewan Rakyat included corruption and 'counter-setting' cases involving enforcement officers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy, the Malaysia-Indonesia maritime border dispute in the Sulawesi Sea, labour force utilisation rates, and the implementation of the Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) toll collection system. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that 26 enforcement officers and personnel at KLIA were dismissed last year. He added that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had handled 50 cases of 'phantom travelers,' with two cases now in the process of being charged in court, while the remainder are at various stages of investigation. On the MLFF issue, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan clarified that the system's implementation would not have financial implications for the government, stating that this is a new direction set by the Ministry of Works. Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul explained that six MPs who are former Bersatu members are still categorised as opposition representatives because there has been no official confirmation of their change in status, even though they have declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Second Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat session will run for 24 days until Aug 28. - Bernama
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
EPF pension for new ones
Interested existing contributors may opt in voluntarily A NEW pension-style withdrawal structure under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will apply only to new members who register after the mechanism is implemented, says Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said the monthly pension payout scheme will not affect the withdrawal rights of existing contributors, and current members will not be automatically placed under the new system but may opt in voluntarily. 'The proposed restructuring of EPF accounts will introduce a new mechanism that allows part of a member's savings to be allocated specifically to provide a regular income stream throughout their retirement years,' she said during Question Time. Lim was responding to Mordi Bimol (PH–Mas Gading), who had asked about the rationale for introducing monthly pension payments as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. She said the new structure is aimed at ensuring retirement savings last longer, in line with longer life expectancy. Under the proposed system, EPF savings will be split into two components upon reaching the minimum retirement age: a flexible savings portion, which can be withdrawn at any time, and a retirement income portion, which will be disbursed on a monthly or periodic basis until depleted. 'This structure is designed to strengthen income security in old age and support more sustainable financial planning,' she said. Meanwhile, Lim also addressed concerns raised by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN–Pagoh) over EPF's investment performance, noting that the fund recorded a 13% decline in returns for the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. She said the drop was due to multiple factors, but added that a recovery is anticipated in the second quarter. 'We expect a positive response and rebound in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year,' she said, without elaborating on the exact causes behind the decline. According to EPF, during 1Q 2025, equities contributed RM10.81bil, a 23% decline from RM14.02bil recorded in 1Q 2024, mainly due to weaker performance across global equity markets and a challenging investment climate. EPF said equities continued to be the highest contributor, accounting for 59% of total investment income while fixed income continued to anchor capital preservation, contributing RM5.99bil or 33% of total investment income.
