Latest news with #17thSabahStateElection
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Calls grow to address postal voting, MA63, jobs
Faisal KOTA KINABALU (Aug 7): The upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17) has reignited calls for the government to urgently address key issues affecting Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia — notably the implementation of Undi18, unresolved Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) claims, employment opportunities for graduates, and the need for proper postal voting arrangements. Chairman of the Peninsular Malaysia Secretariat of the Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR), Muhammad Faisal Mohamad Mohidin, said these concerns were raised during a recent special dialogue with the Student Union of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and representatives from the Sixth Form Student Council of SMK Bongawan, Sabah. 'One of the most pressing matters is the long-standing issue of postal voting for Sabahans in the Peninsula. This is not new,' Faisal said. 'For instance, during Indonesia's recent election, Malaysia provided extensive support – including a grand venue at the Putra World Trade Centre (WTC) and many volunteers – to ensure that Indonesian nationals in Malaysia could vote for their president. Yet, Sabahans and Sarawakians have been overlooked in this regard.' Faisal called on members of parliament, senators and state assemblypersons to table the matter as a motion in both Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly. He noted that there are already around 400,000 Sabahans living in Peninsular Malaysia — excluding Sarawakians. Faisal, who also serves as Special Officer to the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, said the dialogue also touched on unresolved MA63 provisions, especially Sabah's 40 per cent net revenue entitlement, and the lack of job opportunities. 'The students expressed hope that the state government will adopt a more proactive role in creating more employment, especially in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, health and entrepreneurship,' he said. He added that he has consistently engaged with Sabah NGOs based in Peninsular Malaysia and has proposed the formation of a dedicated entity, such as a special secretariat, to oversee the welfare and development of Sabahans in the Peninsula. 'This proposal was first submitted to the Chief Minister of Sabah in 2013 and again in 2023. I also raised it with the Deputy Chief Minister and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat,' he said, suggesting that the entity could be placed under the Chief Minister's Department or the Sabah Liaison Office in Kuala Lumpur. 'I sincerely hope these key issues will receive the attention they deserve. They are crucial to the effectiveness and stability of state governance, particularly in ensuring the well-being of Sabahans — including those residing in Peninsular Malaysia,' he stressed.
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
GRS rejects Anwar's BN pact, citing voter confusion and 'three-way love affair'
GRS and PH have already developed a close and effective working relationship in governing the state. 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.
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Can cooperate after polls: Zahid
Published on: Monday, August 04, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Ahmad Zahid urged all parties to prioritise resolving the people's issues, particularly the prolonged problems of electricity and clean water supply in the State. SANDAKAN: Umno President cum Deputy Prime Minister 1 Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic) said the party is sincere in its readiness to engage in post-election political cooperation to serve the people and for the sake of stability and development in Sabah. He said in today's political landscape, there are no permanent enemies or allies. Hence, collaboration between parties after the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17) remains a possibility if it benefits the people. 'I do not rule out the possibility of collaboration after the State election,' he told the 22nd Umno Libaran Division Delegates meeting, here, Sunday. Present were Sabah Umno Chief and Umno Supreme Council Member Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Umno Sec-Gen Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Sabah Umno Information Chief cum Libaran Umno Division Head Datuk Suhaimi Nasir. Ahmad Zahid urged all parties to prioritise resolving the people's issues, particularly the prolonged problems of electricity and clean water supply in the State. He stressed the need to deliver the best services to the people once a new government is formed. 'Resolve all the problems troubling the people. Deliver the best service to them once the new State government is established,' he said. He emphasised the importance of appointing professional, capable, and credible leaders to implement the State's development agenda. At the same time, Ahmad Zahid proposed several key commitments that should be included in the PRN-17 manifesto: Providing a comprehensive resolution to the electricity supply issue; Guaranteed uninterrupted access to clean water; Expediting upgrading works of the Pan Borneo Highway infrastructure; and Increasing establishments of TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions to create more job opportunities for the people of Sabah. * 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
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Gagasan Rakyat confident of retaining Karamunting seat
Hiew briefing Masiung following a meeting with the Gagasan Rakyat Karamunting committee members. SANDAKAN (Aug 2): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) is confident of defending the Karamunting state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. Its Vice President, Datuk Masiung Banah, said this confidence stems from the party's strong grassroots presence in the constituency, led by incumbent assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin, who joined the party in March 2023. 'We can see that Gagasan Rakyat's track record in Karamunting over the past three years is very strong, and we believe it will contribute one seat to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),' said Masiung, who is also Gagasan Rakyat's Zone 10 coordinator. He was speaking during a final preparatory election briefing held at the division's office in Jalan Laila here on Friday. According to him, the party's election machinery is well-prepared, with its three main wings — Youth, Women, and Beliawanis — mobilised since the end of last year. He added that component parties under GRS and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are also gearing up to ramp up both small- and large-scale political operations in the constituency. 'All six Polling District Centres (PDM) have been activated, and I am confident that under George's leadership, GRS will secure a strong majority in Karamunting this time around,' said Masiung. Hiew first won the Karamunting state seat during the 14th State Election in 2018 and retained it in 2020, both times under the Warisan banner, before joining Gagasan Rakyat last year. Meanwhile, Hiew revealed that 85 per cent of Warisan branch chiefs in the constituency have followed him in supporting Gagasan Rakyat under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hiew, who previously served as Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, is now the deputy coordinator of Gagasan Rakyat for Zone 10 in Sandakan.
Sinar Daily
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Sinar Daily
Working with PH jointly decided by GRS component parties
The decision emerged from meetings between GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the presidents of the component parties, including PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. 30 Jul 2025 02:56pm The decision emerged from meetings between GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the presidents of the component parties, including PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. - Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU - The decision to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Sabah state election was collectively agreed upon by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki. She explained that the decision emerged from meetings between GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the presidents of the component parties, including PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. "This is on the basis that GRS would be the dominant partner as discussed and decided in the meetings. PBS also concurs with GRS chairman Hajiji's statement that GRS would be working with PH in the upcoming state election," she said in a statement here today. Last Sunday (July 27), Hajiji confirmed that an electoral pact will be formed between GRS and PH for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. GRS consists PBS, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Parti Maju Sabah, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sabah Bersatu, Parti Liberal Demokratik, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah and Parti Cinta Sabah. The current five-year term of the 16th Sabah state assembly will expire automatically on Nov 11, paving the way for the 17th Sabah State Election. Meanwhile, Julita clarified that PBS has not endorsed any individuals as candidates for the upcoming state election at this juncture, stressing that any statement claiming PBS has named or supports particular individuals does not represent the party's official stance. "The process of identifying and finalising potential candidates is still ongoing and will be decided collectively by the PBS leadership, with official announcements to be made through proper channels," she said. - BERNAMA More Like This
