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The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Warisan rep slams ‘recycled promises' ahead of Sabah polls
KOTA KINABALU: A proposal to limit the Sabah Chief Minister's term to two terms is nothing new and is now being recycled by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a political gimmick ahead of the state election, says Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong. Wong, who is from Parti Warisan, said the idea had already been put forward in 2021 when Pakatan Harapan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the current Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, which included a two-term cap for the Chief Minister's post. 'But during their five-year administration, despite having a two-thirds majority in the state assembly, they didn't do anything to implement this proposal. 'Now that the election is approaching, suddenly they're bringing it up again as if it's a fresh promise. Isn't this misleading the people?' he said. He was responding to a recent statement by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, that the proposal would be included in GRS' election manifesto. Wong questioned why the GRS-led state government failed to pursue the constitutional amendment earlier if they were truly committed to reform. 'They had the numbers. Why didn't they do it then? Why only now?' he asked. He also criticised Armizan, who is the Papar MP, for using what he called 'sweet slogans' that do not translate into actual improvements in people's lives. 'On paper, their words may sound good, but is our life today really better? The government isn't the one who gets to answer that — the people are the ones living the reality,' he said. He said that despite Sabah's natural resources and strategic location, the state remained one of the poorest, still grappling with poor infrastructure, power and water cuts, bad roads and inadequate basic services. Wong urged Sabahans to take inspiration from Sarawak in electing local leaders who are genuinely focused on their people's welfare. 'This time, let's give the mandate to a local party, Parti Warisan, to take up the responsibility. Warisan is inclusive, diverse and independent of peninsula-based political agendas,' he said. Hajiji, who will be leading GRS into the upcoming state election for a second term, had recently told party members that the next term would be his last.
Daily Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Muhy denies PN has lost relevance in Sabah
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Muhyiddin said public support for PN in Sabah remains, adding that the electorate can assess the current administration based on unresolved infrastructure issues, including water, electricity and roads. SANDAKAN: Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin denied that Perikatan Nasional (PN), the opposition coalition he heads, has lost relevance in Sabah, insisting that party members remain active and involved. He also said PN has not finalised how many seats it will contest in the imminent 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). The PN Chairman and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) President said discussions are ongoing and decisions would be made jointly with Bersatu Vice President Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, who is also Beluran MP. 'We are reviewing all constituencies, including the more than 70 seats expected to be contested after the State Assembly is dissolved,' he told a press conference after the Jelajah Rakyat 2025 'Kasi Bagus Sabah' programme in Karamunting on Friday. He said PN is open to discussions with other parties, except Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). 'If there are groups interested in working together, we will take that into consideration. But no decisions have been made yet, as there is still time.' Muhyiddin said any such cooperation is unlikely to involve GRS, accusing the coalition of having acted in bad faith during the previous election. He said several seats held by GRS leaders were initially won under the PN banner before they shifted allegiance following the formation of the GRS-led state government. 'At that time, we suggested the name GRS when we were aligned. Later, they registered it as a political party. I had expected it to be a non-governmental organisation (NGO),' he said. He questioned whether it would make sense for PN to cooperate again with a group that had gone on to register itself as a party without full disclosure. Muhyiddin said public support for PN in Sabah remains, adding that the electorate can assess the current administration based on unresolved infrastructure issues, including water, electricity and roads. He was accompanied by Kiandee, supreme council member Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, Srikandi chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin and local representatives from Batu Sapi, Libaran and surrounding areas. At the event, he received 800 membership forms from former PKR Batu Sapi branch members and representatives from PGRS Batu Sapi, who have joined Bersatu. In his speech, he said elected representatives should remain consistent in their positions and not shift alliances after winning elections. Ronald, meanwhile, said voters are fully aware of which parties have maintained their positions and which have changed direction after the last general election. * 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
The Star
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
PBS, Sabah STAR working to resolve differences ahead of state polls
Acting Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (seated right) and Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (seated second righ) said they have ironed out differences ahead of 17th Sabah Election. KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR are working to resolve differences over unity and seat distribution as the 17th state election approaches. Both parties aim to address overlapping seat claims and ensure cooperation under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. Acting PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the party is eyeing about 12 seats, while Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said his party is considering contesting fewer than 15 seats under the GRS banner. While acknowledging some overlaps remain, both leaders said these issues are being resolved internally and do not pose a major hurdle. Speaking during the joint PBS–Sabah STAR Convention, they confirmed a mutual agreement not to contest seats currently held by either party. 'We have already identified the overlapping seats, but they are not difficult to resolve. 'We want to ensure there is no clash on the ground between PBS and Sabah STAR candidates. Don't worry about it, we are all gentlemen,' said Dr Gunsalam He added that both parties will also avoid seats currently held by other GRS components to preserve unity. PBS currently holds seven seats, while Sabah STAR holds six of the 73 elected seats in the assembly. Asked whether they support a GRS-led solo run in the state election, Dr Gunsalam said it would only make sense if all component parties contest as a bloc. 'If PBS and STAR go solo, it's suicidal. But if GRS as a whole contests solo, that is acceptable. What's important is for GRS to remain dominant,' he said. Kitingan echoed the sentiment, saying he preferred GRS to contest under a single banner. 'The earlier solo announcement by GRS received good support. It removes complications,' he said, adding that seat allocations for Pakatan Harapan should be limited to '15 and below.' 'If they don't use the GRS symbol, we would be giving away losing seats,' he said. Both PBS and Sabah STAR are primarily targeting native non-Muslim majority areas, estimated at between 23 and 25 seats. Discussions are ongoing not only between the two parties but also with other GRS component parties to ensure a united front in the upcoming polls. 'Our main focus is to ensure a GRS victory. We are not being picky … the goal is to select the best candidates for the coalition as a whole,' said Dr Gunsalam.
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Warisan accused of politicising Sabah's O&G
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 Text Size: Gordon (left) said recent remarks by Azis (right) on Sabah's role in oil and gas were misleading and could harm public understanding. Kota Kinabalu: Warisan has been accused of politicising Sabah's oil and gas matters without understanding the industry's realities. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Youth Exco Gordon Horace Chin said recent remarks by Warisan's Datuk Azis Jamman on Sabah's role in oil and gas were misleading and could harm public understanding. 'Azis talks about upstream involvement, but ignores that Sabah already holds significant stakes, including 50 per cent in Samarang PSC, 10 per cent in LNG9, and 25 per cent in Samur under the agreement with Petronas,' he said in a statement. He said SMJ Energy, established by the GRS-led government, has delivered RM160 million in dividends to the State and was valued at RM5 billion. Chin said oil and gas exploration comes with high risks and costs, and SMJ's approach of acquiring producing assets first was a responsible strategy. He also addressed criticisms over the RM900 million sukuk used to acquire Sabah International Petroleum (SIP), calling it a market-backed refinancing, not a bailout. 'At the time, SIP was burdened with RM1.7 billion in debt and posed a risk to Sabah Development Bank. The restructuring, rated AAA and oversubscribed nearly four times, helped avoid a financial crisis,' he said. The restructuring saved the State over RM60 million in interest in one year, and allowed the bank to resume lending. He said Warisan attempted a RM10 billion sukuk when in power but failed to secure investor confidence. Chin also refuted claims that Warisan had settled the RM1 billion bond in 2019, saying it was done through a sinking fund set up since 2014. 'Sabah is recovering from years of mismanagement. Warisan should stop misleading the public with half-truths,' he said. He urged the public to focus on long-term solutions and support efforts to stabilise the State's finances and oil and gas sector. * 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
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
LDP calls for 20% quota for Chinese in civil service, UMS
Chin KOTA KINABALU (July 2): Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin calls on the GRS-led Sabah Government to implement a 20% quota for Chinese Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students to enter the civil service and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). He said this proposal reflects the Liberal Democratic Party's strong commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and ensuring that students from Chinese independent schools who take the UEC are given equal and meaningful opportunities to serve and succeed in their own State. 'The recognition of the UEC by the Sabah Government is a commendable and progressive move in acknowledging the value of Chinese education. 'However, recognition alone is not sufficient. Without a structured and transparent quota system, Chinese UEC students will continue to face significant barriers when it comes to entering the civil service or pursuing higher education at public universities such as UMS,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Chin added many Chinese UEC students are academically qualified and capable of contributing meaningfully to the public sector and society, yet their access remains extremely limited. 'Implementing a 20% quota is a necessary step to correct this imbalance and to provide fair access and participation. This is not about granting privilege, it is about addressing underrepresentation through a fair and inclusive policy that reflects Sabah's multiracial identity,' he said. Chin said such inclusivity will help build a stronger sense of belonging and foster unity across communities. 'Additionally, the lack of clear pathways has driven many UEC students to pursue further education or employment outside Sabah or even Malaysia. By creating more opportunities for them here, we can retain our home-grown talent and strengthen our State's future capacity,' he said. Chin urged the Sabah Government to show leadership by going beyond symbolic recognition and enacting real policies that create access. 'A quota system for Chinese UEC students is a fair and practical step forward to ensure that no capable Sabahan is left behind in building our shared future,' he said.
