Latest news with #Gerak17
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS prioritizes rakyat's voice in electoral cooperation - Jeffrey
Jeffrey (centre) speaking to reporters. KOTA KINABALU (May 22): The rakyat's voice is priority in determining Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) electoral cooperation for the coming state elections, said GRS deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. 'We will work with anybody for the sake of political stability, but we have to listen to the rakyat. 'If majority of the rakyat say A, then we also have to respond with A,' he told reporters after a press conference here on Thursday. Jeffrey, who is also Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president, was asked to comment on the possibility of working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) or Barisan Nasional (BN) for the Sabah elections. He said preliminary meetings have been held within GRS, while keeping mum on whether GRS has had meetings with PH or BN as well as on seat allocations. GRS will be first settling internal issues before determining any election pacts, he added. 'What is important now is for us to unite within the coalition so that we can move forward,' he said. He was also asked to comment on the current scenario or sentiment of local versus national parties. 'That's what I've been hearing also, but it is still too early to conclude anything because we are still a long way to the election,' he replied. Jeffrey also declared he is ready to accept Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's challenge for a debate on any issue, including the 'Sabah for Sabahans' agenda. Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, issued the challenge during the launch of Sabah Umno's Gerak17 campaign for the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency.
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah BN must not fall for a 'second betrayal', says Ahmad Zahid
Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded Barisan Nasional supporters to stay united and vigilant ahead of the upcoming state election. KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional members in Sabah must not fall for a 'second betrayal' in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17), says its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, reminded all party members to remain united to help Barisan achieve victory in the election. "Once is enough. Let's not be fooled a second time. Umno and Barisan in Sabah must be wiser this time in making our choices. Datuk Seri Bung, don't let them trick you again," he said, referring to the defection of several assemblymen in early 2023. Speaking at the launch of the Gerak17 programme for the Kemabong state seat (N.43) at Dewan Sri Ontoros Kemabong, Tenom, today, Ahmad Zahid said from past experience, Sabah Barisan must learn to set aside their differences and avoid internal division. "With leaders like Datuk Rahman Dahlan (Sabah Umno deputy chairman) supporting Datuk Seri Bung, I believe that if everyone stands united, Sabah can work together with Putrajaya," he said. Sabah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, along with other Barisan state and federal leaders, were also present at the event. Ahmad Zahid's remarks referred to the five Barisan assemblymen who left the party on Feb 21, 2023, declaring their support for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and joining Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah. They are Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), Datuk Hamid Awang (Balung), and Datuk James Ratib (Sugut). Additionally, four Barisan assemblymen remain in the state government, holding positions in the state cabinet: Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Assistant Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Harun Durabi (Bengkoka), Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (Tanjong Batu), as well as the late Datuk Mohd Hamsan Awang Supain (Sungai Sibuga), who held the position of Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister until his passing on Jan 19. The Sungai Sibuga seat has remained vacant since. Of the 73 seats in the Sabah State Assembly, Barisan initially won 16 in the 16th general election, but now holds only 12, including three members in the state government.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
BN, PH to contest as unified coalition, says Bung Moktar
Bung Moktar KOTA KINABALU (May 17): Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) will contest the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17) as a coalition, regardless of whether they collaborate with other parties, said Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. He said both parties are fully committed to preparing early through the Gerak 17 programme to secure victory and form the next state government. 'The purpose of Gerak 17 is to build momentum and prepare to form the state government,' he said during the launch of the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 machinery at the Industrial Training Institute (IKM) in Sepanggar on Saturday. 'Back in the 2018 state election, we were caught off guard and unprepared, yet we managed to win 14 seats. This time, with Gerak 17, whether we end up working with other parties or not, BN and PH will move forward together. We will focus on strengthening our own machinery,' he said. Bung also underlined the importance of sincerity in political negotiations, referring to recent remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding coalition talks. 'When the Prime Minister says we need to discuss cooperation, I emphasise that discussions must be done like gentlemen. Don't negotiate in the morning, only to have us dropped by noon,' he said. Describing PRN17 as a pivotal moment, Bung urged all parties involved to make the most of the opportunity. 'This opportunity may not come again. We must make full use of it,' he added.
