Liew vows to continue serving amid Sabah election uncertainty
KOTA KINABALU (May 10): Api-Api assemblywoman Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew has affirmed her commitment to continuing her duties in the state government and serving the public, amid shifting political developments ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
Liew stated that she remains in the dark about the ongoing political manoeuvrings, noting that the allocation of seats for PRN17 will only be known following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
'I seriously don't know what's going on. From the news I've read so far, the Chief Minister said the partnership will only be announced after the State Assembly is dissolved.
'So, I'm looking forward to seeing how things unfold. Of course, there are new issues every day. Personally, I'm just observing for now.
'But regardless of what happens, and whatever changes may or may not come, we remain part of the government and continue to serve our constituencies. That responsibility never changes, we are always here to provide services to the people,' she said.
Liew made the remarks in response to a recent statement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). Hajiji indicated that GRS may contest PRN17 independently if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) decide to form a coalition.
Liew is a state assembly member representing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan), under the PH coalition. She is currently serving as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment in the GRS–PH state administration.
She added that she would only provide further comments once she has received clear and definitive information on the matter.
'I would like to get more definite answers first before I even make any comment,' she said.
Liew was speaking to reporters after officiating the launch of the 2025 MATTA Fair Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Saturday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
4 hours ago
- Daily Express
PBS wants to play key role in consolidating GRS coalition
Published on: Sunday, April 10, 2022 Published on: Sun, Apr 10, 2022 Text Size: Joniston receiving new PBS membership application forms during PBS Telupid Annual General Meeting. TELUPID: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) aspires to play a key role in consolidating Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) the longest-surviving local party, its secretary-general Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the party possesses a wealth of experience that will help strengthen the coalition. Support for PBS has also been overwhelming, he said, as it continues to gain traction in memberships with increasing number of party divisions and branches. 'According to reports from all divisional branches, our membership has been growing recently, and new branches are being established. 'This positive development bodes well for our efforts to strengthen GRS under the able leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'We need to solidify GRS because it is a platform for local Sabahan political leaders to speak out in one voice in support of state rights and bringing them to the attention of federal government,' he stressed. Bangkuai, who is also GRS information chief, was speaking at the Telupid PBS Annual General Meeting here, Saturday. Also present were Agriculture and Food Industry Minister and Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee; state Agriculture and Fisheries Assistant Minister and Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib; state Rural Development Assistant Minister and Labuk assemblyman Samad Jambri; and PBS Telupid Division Chief and Telupid assemblyman Jonnybone J Kurum. During the meeting, Bangkuai received 420 new PBS membership applications. 'With anticipation of early parliamentary election, I urge all PBS divisions and branches to continue strengthening party at the grassroot level. 'We cannot be complacent but to work together to fulfil our responsibilities to the people and to attract the youths,' 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
Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Borneo Post
GRS must lead Sabah's political direction, says Joniston
Joniston KIULU (Aug 1): It is crucial for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to be dominant and control the political narratives in Sabah in any form of pact with national-based parties, said its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said this would be in line with the sentiment and aspirations of the majority of Sabahans who have publicly expressed support for a local-led coalition to spearhead the state's future. 'We must not ignore the voices of the people as the growing sentiment for local-based parties to take the lead is real and must be respected, but in addressing this, we must also act with wisdom and foresight,' he said at a meeting with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) grassroot leaders here. Joniston, who also serves as PBS information chief, stressed that any political decisions made must be guided by Sabah's long-term interests rather than emotions or external pressure. He said that while GRS has worked well with federal partners such as PH, moving forward, any form of cooperation must be anchored on a clear and binding commitment to Sabah's rights. This, he said, is in particular, the long-standing demand for the return of 40 per cent net revenue collected by the federal government from the state. 'If there is to be any continued cooperation, it must come with formal assurances. Sabah's rights must be respected and delivered, not just talked about during elections,' said the Kiulu assemblyman. Joniston also said negotiations on seat allocations must be based on fair discussions that reflect the strength and support of Sabah-based parties. He stressed that while GRS continues to lead the state government in cooperation with PH, any future collaboration must align with the aspirations of the Sabah people and uphold mutual respect. 'We value our cooperation with our partners at the national level, but Sabahans must be in the driver's seat in shaping the future of the state. 'It's about striking the right balance between unity and autonomy. Even now, GRS is leading the State government, working with PH based on shared understanding. 'What we must avoid, however, is making decisions that risk losing the people's trust, such as entertaining alliances with parties that once disrupted the state government's stability,' he said. Reflecting on the PBS political journey, Joniston said past experiences have shaped the party's approach to remain firm in defending Sabah's rights while maintaining constructive relations with the federal government. He noted that although PBS was known for its strong stance in fighting for State rights during its nine years in power from 1985 to 1994, the current political environment calls for a more strategic and united way of working within GRS and in engagements with Putrajaya.
Sinar Daily
9 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Sabah's political chessboard ahead of State Election: Who's teaming up, who's splitting off and what's at stake?
SHAH ALAM - As Sabah gears up for its 17th State Election, political alliances are shifting rapidly. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) are all making strategic moves. While some are forming unexpected alliances, others are preparing for direct confrontations, setting the stage for one of the most complex and consequential elections in the state's recent history. 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 GRS and PH: From survival pact to electoral alliance On July 27, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that GRS and PH will officially collaborate in the upcoming state election. 'Of course, we are ready, but the electoral pact formula is not yet finalised. There are still a few matters to iron out,' he told reporters at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Annual General Meeting in Kota Kinabalu. The announcement formalises a working relationship that began in January 2023, when Sabah BN, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, attempted to topple Hajiji's government. The move failed and PH's support kept Hajiji in office. Sabah PH deputy chairman Mustapha Sakmud welcomed the alliance, describing it as positive news for the state. He also said that PH is targeting to contest between 23 and 25 seats, although discussions are still ongoing. BN and PH: Another pact in place; but it's not with GRS Adding to the confusion, BN, led at the federal level by Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also confirmed its own alliance with PH for the same election. 'We have already finalised our collaboration with PH, which means that both BN and PH have been locked in as partners for the Sabah state election,' Zahid said on July 30. This dual alliance suggests that GRS and BN could go head-to-head, despite both aligning themselves separately with PH, a potential three-way collision course. According to PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, seat negotiations between PH and BN have been concluded, though she declined to reveal specific allocations. 'PKR will always welcome cooperation with any party for the upcoming state election,' she said. Previously, Sabah BN said it planned to contest 40 seats, while PH is eyeing up to 25, making coordination between PH, BN and GRS even more intricate. Sabah Umno reacts: 'We're ready to lead' The prospect of PH joining forces with GRS has been sharply criticised by Sabah Umno, a key component of BN. Bung called the alliance 'hypocritical', pointing out the contradiction in GRS's claim to be a local party while partnering with 'Malayan' coalitions: 'Parti tempatan kunun, tapi bergabung juga dengan Malaya – siau!' he posted on Facebook. Meanwhile, Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir rejected the idea that BN is merely a junior partner in any coalition: 'Sabah Barisan is a team ready to lead this state, equipped with proven experience, a solid organisational structure and real capacity,' he said. GRS stakes its claim on track record During his keynote speech at the Gagasan Rakyat AGM, Hajiji laid out GRS's case for reelection, citing the coalition's five-year record. 'We did not promise the moon and stars, but we promised to do our best for the people. 'If we fail to form the government, we will have squandered a golden opportunity. The ones who will suffer are the people and the ones who lose out will be the state of Sabah,' he said. He described the upcoming state election as a pivotal moment and warned that losing the election would jeopardise ongoing development projects and weaken Sabah's bargaining position with the federal government. 'It is not an ordinary election. It is a responsibility that will determine the state's future and the fate of the next generation,' he said. Umno and PN deploy election machinery Meanwhile, Umno is actively preparing for the polls. Its deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed that the party's divisions across Peninsular Malaysia have been assigned specific zones in Sabah. 'All the Kelantan Umno division heads were in Sabah because they are in charge of the Eastern Sabah area. Terengganu Umno will also manage the Tawau, Sandakan and Kudat areas,' he said on July 28. He stressed that Umno is ready to support election operations wherever needed. At the same time, PN has begun consolidating Opposition forces. On July 30, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali announced that Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin would lead PN's Sabah election committee, while also backing a plan for a broader Opposition coalition. 'The committee will identify the seats to be contested by PN, devise strategies and approaches for each constituency, and draft a manifesto for the people of Sabah,' Azmin said. Election date still unclear; but clock is ticking Despite speculation that the Sabah State Assembly could be dissolved by the end of July, Hajiji's office shut down rumours on July 28, stating that he was scheduled to attend Malaysia-Indonesia consultations in Jakarta, not call for dissolution. A viral report had claimed that elections might be held by Sept 20, but this remains unconfirmed. The 16th Sabah State Assembly is due to expire automatically on Nov 11, meaning elections must be held within 60 days after dissolution, likely by January 2026 if delayed. The big picture: A fragmented field with high stakes With overlapping alliances and internal rivalries, Sabah's upcoming election will be a multi-cornered fight unlike any before: GRS is banking on its incumbent advantage and PH's support. BN is fighting back to reclaim leadership, partnering with PH at odds with GRS. PH is in a strategic dance with both GRS and BN, trying to avoid alienating either. PN is forming an opposition bloc to challenge the ruling alliance outright. The 17th Sabah State Election is shaping up to be a complex and crowded contest, where seat negotiations, overlapping alliances and voter trust will all play decisive roles. No official election date has been set yet, but with the assembly due to expire by Nov 11, Sabahans will soon decide whether continuity, change, or chaos lies ahead.
