Latest news with #Banah
The Star
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah polls: GRS eyes 52 seats, 21 to national parties, says Banah
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is expected to field candidates in at least 52 out of the 73 state constituencies in the upcoming 17th state election (PRN17), signalling a strong push by the coalition to retain power. "Given the strong local sentiment towards Sabah-based parties ahead of this election, I foresee us contesting 52 seats, subject to the approval of GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor," said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah. "The remaining 21 seats will be allocated to national parties that agree to cooperate with GRS," Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah told hundreds of attendees at a roadshow in Kampung Mananam, Tenom, on Saturday (May 24). Banah expressed confidence that local candidates under the GRS banner could outperform opposition parties, particularly those previously rejected by voters during their time in government. The Kuamut assemblyman stressed that GRS would be more cautious in forming future alliances, citing the failed power grab attempt during the 'Langkah Kinabalu' episode in January 2023. Several opposition assemblymen and political leaders from Sabah Barisan Nasional and Parti Warisan, along with defectors who allegedly wanted to align state power, tried to engineer a change of government by persuading elected representatives to switch allegiance and withdraw support from Hajiji. However, the plan failed after Hajiji managed to retain majority support in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, thanks to backing from most GRS component parties, several Sabah Barisan assemblymen, and Sabah Pakatan Harapan, which pledged support for political stability. Banah, meanwhile, stated that the current working relationship between GRS and Sabah Pakatan, both politically and administratively, remains strong and should be maintained. He believes that if the collaboration continues into the upcoming election, the coalition stands a strong chance of forming the Sabah government once again. Earlier, Banah received a warm welcome from the Orang Sungai Making ethnic community at the Mananam District Polling Centre (PDM), accompanied by a convoy of over 30 motorcycles waving GRS flags. The GRS roadshow was attended by all division chiefs from the coalition's component parties in the Kuamut constituency. Apart from Gagasan Rakyat, the other seven GRS component parties are Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Attacks on Chief Minister Hajiji stem from jealousy, says Gagasan's Masiung
KOTA KINABALU: The recent political slander and online attacks against Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stem from envy over his achievements, says Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah. He said the opposition, having failed to deliver when in power, is resorting to fabrications and personal attacks on social media to sway public opinion before the 17th State Election. "They are clearly jealous of Hajiji's progress and what the GRS government has accomplished in a short time. This is why they are spreading lies and even hurling insults at our Chief Minister," he said at the Gagasan Rakyat Tri-Annual Meeting in Kampung Saub, a Lundeyah village near Nabawan on Friday (May 23). Banah said that rather than responding with hostility, Gagasan Rakyat members must focus on strengthening grassroots support and maintaining composure in the face of provocation. He urged members to avoid retaliating with slander or insults, stressing the importance of respectful political engagement grounded in facts. "We know our grassroots supporters are affected by the opposition's malicious online campaigns. But we should not stoop to their level," he said. The Kuamut assemblyman also warned against adopting the opposition's toxic cyber trooper culture, which he said thrives on vilification and false narratives. "Supporters must not fall into the trap of conflict. We need to counter these attacks by being more strategic, through facts, engagement, and unity at the grassroots," he added. Banah stressed that true strength lies in growing the party's influence at the community level, not through hostility, but by staying focused on long-term goals.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: DSS to kick off on June 27 with discounts, exclusive offers, concerts
The city of Dubai has long been associated with shopping, even during the scorching summer months, and this year the emirate is gearing up for the heat with what it promises to be the largest-ever edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said that DSS 2025 will kick off on June 27 and will last until August 31. Over the course of 66 days, it will feature three major retail campaigns, each packed with exclusive offers, rewards, and interactive mall activations. The Summer Holiday Offers (June 27–July 17), the Dubai Summer Mega Sale (July 18–August 10), and Back to School (August 11–31) are designed to provide unbeatable deals across Dubai's premier shopping destinations. Foodies will be in for a treat during Dubai Restaurant Week from July 4–12, featuring curated menus at top restaurants, while shoppers can look forward to daily 12-hour flash sales and exclusive limited-time offers. For those who are into music, the city will host live performances for artists including Banah, Adnan Sami, Adonis, and Shreya Ghoshal. Additionally, Dubai Opera will host a theatrical show called Made in Kuwait on August 29 and 30. DSS will also offer special hotel packages, family deals at major attractions, and raffle draws with high-value prizes. The full calendar of events will be unveiled soon, showcasing a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of summer in Dubai.
The Star
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cement plant better in the jungle, says Borneo Cement Sabah chairman
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo Cement Sabah (BCS) chairman Datuk Masiung Banah has defended the decision to build a RM1.2bil cement and clinker plant in the remote forests of Tongod. He said it was a practical and environmentally conscious move that will bring economic growth to one of Malaysia's poorest districts. 'What is the problem with building a cement plant in the forest? We cannot possibly build it in the city. 'Isn't it better to have an industrial zone in the forest rather than near urban areas where it would cause major issues with solid waste and air pollution?' he asked. The Kuamut assemblyman explained in a statement on Monday (April 21) that the project site contains key raw materials such as limestone, clay, sand, and stone, making it a strategic location for cement production. The project is spearheaded by Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd - a joint venture between Sedco, which is a Sabah government linked company and Sri Alam Setia Sdn Bhd - will be constructed by Sinoma Industrial Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd. Banah was responding to recent remarks by Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who questioned the plant's feasibility during the Sabah state assembly sitting on April 15. Bung Moktar had claimed the site lacked electricity, water and road access, and alleged the project's main investor had withdrawn, leaving logging activity in its place. Describing Bung Moktar's comments as misleading, Banah said the remarks had sparked anger among Tongod residents. 'Perhaps Bung Moktar has his own agenda. His statements create the impression that the clinker project has failed, when in fact it's still in its early implementation phase. 'He should be supporting this initiative as it promises over 1,000 job opportunities and new business prospects for the local community,' he said. Banah also refuted allegations of logging at the site, noting that the area is largely covered by limestone and is not suited for timber extraction. He added that the main investor, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd of China, along with BCS, is actively carrying out preliminary works, including road construction from the factory site at Kampung Kayawoi to the main road in Kampung Matiku, Nabawan. Electricity and water infrastructure are currently being installed alongside the construction of a new optical telecommunications tower to improve connectivity. The Tongod cement plant project was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in April last year. During the GRS roadshow in Kampung Sogo-Sogo on Sunday (April 20), Banah also welcomed 112 new members into Gagasan Rakyat Kuamut, led by former teacher-trainer Micheal Tamoi.
