Latest news with #Joniston
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Both Warisan, KDM conspired with Umno: GRS
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: KIULU: Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the united approach under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has proven effective in governing the state in an inclusive, stable, and development-focused manner. 'The GRS government is now moving forward much like Sarawak's GPS government, which is formed by local parties representing all communities. This is the best model for Sabah. Advertisement 'If we look at Sarawak, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) holds a clear majority but still chooses to work together with other parties to jointly develop Sarawak's socio-economy — not go it alone,' he said. Joniston, who is also the Information Chief for both GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), said this during the Papawantai Taasok Ceremony and Community Leaders' Gathering with the People of Mukim Lembah, Saturday. Commenting on the recent announcements by Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) to contest solo, Joniston described it as a political tactic that reflects a direction inconsistent with the aspirations of the people of Sabah. 'We do not deny any party's right to contest on its own, but ultimately, the people will judge by the outcomes — and stability can only be achieved when local parties choose collaboration over competition. 'If they are truly advocating for mature politics, that must be accompanied by a willingness to cooperate and compromise... not by acting alone and disregarding collective strength,' he said. Joniston also reminded the public that Warisan and PKDM had previously colluded with Umno in an attempt to overthrow the government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor — a move he said clearly prioritized personal political interests over state stability. 'Such actions do not reflect leadership that puts the people first. Instead, they undermine public confidence and disrupt focus on development efforts,' he said. Joniston said the GRS administration under Hajiji's leadership has proven that a coalition of local parties can function effectively, achieving significant milestones such as boosting the state's financial reserves and implementing various welfare initiatives. In the Kiulu constituency, he said rural development continues to advance under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development blueprint, including agricultural road upgrades to improve access to farms and remote villages. 'We acknowledge there is still a lot of work to be done, and we do not deny the existence of challenges such as water, electricity, and infrastructure. But we take full responsibility and will keep moving forward,' he stated. He urged the people to continue supporting leadership that has delivered results, and not to be swayed by political decisions made in the interest of certain parties that could jeopardize the state's stability. * 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
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabah Museum embraces AR/VR tech, cultural ambassadors
Joniston (third from right) and Atitih (third from left) taking a group selfie with visitors at Sabah Museum.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Sabah Museum has introduced Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology, aligning with the government's aspiration to digitize services. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew stated that through this immersive technology, visitors can not only view but also experience the atmosphere of traditional houses from various Sabah ethnic groups in an interactive three-dimensional format. 'Through this technology, traditional houses are not merely displayed but revived. Visitors can 'enter' these houses anytime, anywhere. This digital transformation conveys the message that heritage is not just to be remembered but also to be experienced in a modern way by today's generation,' she said in a speech text read by Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai during the Sabah Museum Diamond Jubilee Launch on Saturday. The event was held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sabah Museum's establishment as an institution preserving the state's history and cultural heritage. According to Liew, the appointment of Unduk Ngadau (Beauty Queen) 2025 Atitih Yati Robert as Sabah Museum Ambassador aims to extend the reach of heritage messaging to youth, artists, cultural figures and social media influencers. 'This ambassador will serve as a cultural spokesperson, conducting awareness programs and promoting historical values to the community through physical and digital channels,' she explained. The introduction of AR/VR technology and the involvement of a young ambassador is seen as a dual-pronged approach to bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern reality. This transforms the museum beyond an exhibition venue into an interactive center for learning, recreation, and cultural connection. She added that the Sabah Museum Diamond Jubilee exhibition features visual documentation, archival materials, and a chronological display of the department's development since 1965, honoring Sabah's longstanding custodians of collective memory. 'I extend my highest appreciation to the entire Sabah Museum Department staff who, for six decades, have strived to document, preserve, and build the identity of this state. As long as this spirit continues, Sabah Museum will remain a beacon of knowledge, heritage and identity for the people, not only at the state level but also nationally and internationally,' she said. Sabah Museum now has 23 branches and in-situ sites across the state, including the Tun Mustapha Museum Kudat, Agnes Keith House Sandakan, Keningau Heritage Museum, and the Bukit Tengkorak Archaeological Site in Semporna. Plans are also underway to open another new museum in Ranau. Traditional houses showcased at Sabah Museum include those from the Bongi, Rungus, Murut, Bisaya, Lotud, Brunei Malay, Hakka Chinese planter, Suluk, Iranun, Makiang, Kalabuan, Gana, Lundayeh, Tombonuo, Begahak, Tatana, Sonsogon, and Kedayan ethnic groups. The 60th-anniversary celebration was also enlivened by a People's Sports Carnival featuring traditional games like congkak, tug-of-war and blowpipe, proving that heritage can continue to be presented and experienced in diverse forms.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Parties going solo undermine Sabah's political stability and unity - Joniston
Joniston officiates the symbolic launch of Papawantai Taasok, a community thanksgiving event. KIULU (July 19): Local political parties that choose to go it alone in the upcoming state election are not aligning with the people's need for political stability and strong local cooperation, said Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. He said the unified approach under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has proven effective in governing the state in an inclusive, stable and focused manner on long-term development. 'The GRS government is moving in the same direction as the GPS government in Sarawak, which is formed by local parties representing all races. This approach is the best for Sabah. 'If we look at Sarawak, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) holds a clear majority but still chooses to work with other parties to develop the socio-economy of Sarawak jointly. Not alone,' he said. Joniston, who is the GRS and PBS information chief, made the remarks during a meet-the-people session and Papawantai Taasok ceremony here on Saturday. Reacting to Warisan and PKDM's plan to stand alone, Joniston called it a political tactic that goes against the aspirations of the Sabah people. 'We do not deny any party's right to stand on its own, but at the end of the day, the people will judge based on results. 'Stability can only be achieved when local parties choose to work together, not compete among themselves. 'If we want to bring about a mature (politics) approach, it must be followed by a willingness to work together and compromise … not move alone and deny collective strength,' he added. Joniston also reminded the public how Warisan and PKDM had been willing to collude with Umno in an attempt to topple the government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, which he said clearly reflected a prioritisation of personal political interests over the state's stability. 'Such actions do not reflect leadership that puts people first, but rather only undermine public confidence and distract from the focus on the development agenda,' he said. He reiterated that under Hajiji's leadership, the GRS government has shown that a coalition of local parties can function well and has even achieved many achievements, such as increasing state reserves and rolling out welfare initiatives. In Kiulu, Joniston said rural development continues to be driven under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, including agricultural road upgrades to improve access to farms and villages. 'We acknowledge that more still needs to be done, and we do not deny the existence of challenges such as water, electricity and infrastructure, but we take full responsibility and are committed to moving forward,' he said. He called on the people to continue supporting leadership that has delivered tangible results and not be swayed by political decisions made in the interests of certain parties that could harm state stability.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
New home brings relief to OKU couple in Kiulu
Joniston handing over SMJ house key to Hendary. Also in photo is Bonnyface (right). KIULU (July 18): A couple with disabilities from Kampung Tinompok Pukak can now live more independently after receiving a new home under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Housing Programme. Hendary @ Hendary Felik Lapik, 51, who is non-verbal and wears a prosthetic leg, received the key to his new house from Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai in a small handover ceremony today. Perched beside a paddy field, near the river and just off the roadside, Hendary's new home sits on family-owned land, offering both accessibility and a peaceful environment. He lives with his wife, who also has a speech disability, and their two daughters, aged two and five. Prior to receiving the house, Hendary and his family lived in a household shared with his extended family. According to his brother, Bonnyface Bin Felik Lapik, who is also the Village Development and Security Committee chairman of Kampung Bolotikon, the home marks a new phase of independent living for the couple and their children. 'This gives them the space to live on their own, while still being close enough for family to visit and assist when needed. 'It will help them manage better as a family and give the children more room to grow,' he said, adding that the family helped facilitate the application for the SMJ house. Hendary supports his household through various types of small-scale work in the village. In a brief exchange during the handover, Hendary expressed his gratitude through gestures, thanking the assemblyman and government for the assistance. He also invited several friends with similar disabilities to be present, wanting to share the moment with them. Joniston said the SMJ housing programme is part of the state government's ongoing commitment to improve the living conditions of rural residents, especially those with low income and physical challenges. 'We want to make sure that people with different needs, including those with disabilities, are not left behind. A home like this can have a big impact on daily life. 'More SMJ houses will be built in Kiulu because there are still many less fortunate families who need proper housing,' said Joniston. There are currently 120 SMJ houses built in the Kiulu constituency under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, continuing the state's commitment to community welfare and inclusive rural development.
The Star
5 days ago
- General
- The Star
New house brings relief for disabled couple in Kiulu
KOTA KINABALU: A couple with disabilities from Kampung Tinompok Pukak in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu can now live more independently after receiving a new home under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Housing Programme. Hendary Felik Lapik, 51, who has a speech impairment and wears a prosthetic leg, received the key to his new house from Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai in a small handover ceremony, on Friday (July 18). Perched beside a paddy field, near the river and just off the roadside, Hendary's new home sits on family-owned land, offering both accessibility and a peaceful environment. He lives with his wife, who also has a speech disability, and their two daughters, aged two and five years old. Prior to receiving the house, Hendary and his family lived in a household shared with his extended family. According to his brother, Bonnyface Felik Lapik, who is also the Village Development and Security Committee chairman of Kampung Bolotikon, the home marks a new phase of independent living for the couple and their children. 'This gives them the space to live on their own, while still being close enough for family to visit and assist when needed. 'It will help them manage better as a family and give the children more room to grow,' he said, adding that the family helped facilitate the application for the SMJ house. Hendary supports his household through various types of small-scale work in the village. In a brief exchange during the handover, Hendary expressed his gratitude through gestures, thanking the assemblyman and government for the assistance. He also invited several friends with similar disabilities to be present, wanting to share the moment with them. Joniston said the SMJ housing programme is part of the state government's ongoing commitment to improve the living conditions of rural residents, especially those with low income and physical challenges. 'We want to make sure that people with different needs, including those with disabilities, are not left behind. A home like this can have a big impact on daily life. 'More SMJ houses will be built in Kiulu because there are still many less fortunate families who need proper housing,' said Joniston. There are currently 120 SMJ houses built in the Kiulu constituency under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, continuing the state's commitment to community welfare and inclusive rural development.
