PBS-Star Sabah ties not a threat to GRS, says Joachim
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Joachim and other leaders during the meeting. MATUNGGONG: Acting PBS President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has called on all Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties to strengthen unity ahead of the state election. Speaking at the PBS Matunggong annual general meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified that close ties between PBS and Star Sabah are not a threat to GRS but serve to reinforce the coalition for a shared victory.
Advertisement He said the GRS-led government has provided various forms of assistance to the people, including those in Matunggong, through housing, welfare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture initiatives. Joachim also urged PBS members to stay united and avoid internal division to ensure a GRS win in the Matunggong seat. He also reaffirmed PBS's intention to contest the seat under GRS. * 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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Julita presents Joachim with a token of appreciation at the close of the meeting. KUDAT (June 18): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will represent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the Matunggong constituency and its acting president, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, will pledge full support for PBS Matunggong Division chief Datuk Julita Majungki to defend her seat. 'I urge everyone to work together to ensure her victory,' he said when officiating the PBS Matunggong Division annual general meeting recently. Dr Joachim called on all GRS component parties to strengthen their unity and cooperation in preparation for the upcoming Sabah State Election. He emphasised that the collaboration between PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah) is intended to reinforce — not undermine — the GRS coalition. 'To face the state election, we must unite under GRS,' he said. Dr Joachim, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Government and Housing, said the GRS-led state government remains committed to addressing the needs of the people. He cited ongoing assistance initiatives such as the SMJ Friendly Housing Programme, the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) scheme, the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme, education development and rural infrastructure projects as evidence of this commitment, including in Matunggong. He urged all PBS members to stay united and avoid internal conflict to ensure GRS's continued success, particularly in Matunggong. In his speech, Dr Joachim congratulated Julita and the organising chairman, division secretary Epson Kawahui, for successfully hosting the annual meeting, which drew over 1,000 attendees, including observers from GRS component parties, adding that he hopes PBS membership in Matunggong will continue to grow in strength and numbers. Julita is confident that PBS, in collaboration with GRS, will be able to retain the Matunggong seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. The PBS Secretary-General said this goal is achievable if party machinery and grassroots members remain united and prepared for any eventuality. 'The election could happen anytime within the next three to four months. If we stay united and ready, I believe we can maintain our victory. Stay strong, keep fighting,' she said in her keynote address at the 40th Matunggong Division annual general meeting. Julita stressed that PBS's mission remains relevant and firmly rooted in its founding principles, continuing to champion the rights of Sabah and its people, particularly through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Let us remember, what was once seen as a rebellious act in demanding MA63 rights has now become a core agenda for many — including those who once opposed it. The people must be wise not to be swayed by smooth talkers with a record of betrayal,' she said. She reminded members of PBS's long and impactful political journey, asserting that the party's contributions to Sabah's political awakening should not be dismissed as outdated. On the current political landscape, Julita described GRS as the best platform for Sabahans, showcasing the state's political maturity in building a local coalition independent of external political influences. She highlighted the state's improved economic performance under the GRS government, with state revenue rising from RM4.4 billion in 2021 to RM6.4 billion in 2023 — a 44 per cent increase — attributed to policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'The SMJ Friendly Housing Programme, 'Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat' (SYUKUR), and the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme are clear examples of the government's concern for the people,' she said, adding that 80 SMJ homes have been allocated to Matunggong. Under the SYUKUR scheme, selected families receive RM300 monthly, while the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme provides accident coverage for all Sabah MyKad holders. Julita also outlined the division's progress under five development pillars introduced since the 16th state election: education, infrastructure, economy, socio-culture and inter-racial relations. Among the achievements: RM475,000 invested in student development and school assistance; three new preschools built in Kg Panikuan, Tuid and Lotong; air-conditioning installed in three school halls; two longhouse blocks completed in Kg Toporoi; 60 SMJ homes handed over and another 20 underway; over 200 village road and agricultural projects worth RM43 million; construction of 10 shop lots, a community hall, and major road upgrades; completion of the study to upgrade Matunggong to a full district, along with a town masterplan. She added that houses of worship have also been repaired or built using ADUN and state allocations, and that 281 land grants were issued in 2022. Meanwhile, the SAFODA land issue, involving 2,169.7 hectares, is being resolved with cooperation from Land Utilisation Committee and relevant agencies. 'I want to clarify that accusations claiming I sold SAFODA land are completely false. The resolution process is ongoing for the benefit of the people,' she said. Julita also expressed gratitude for Dr Joachim's attendance, noting it was a major morale boost for party members. Also present at the meeting was PBS Vice President and Youth Exco Chief Dr Christoper Mandut.
