Latest news with #Joniston
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Suhaimi rebukes Joniston
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: 'You (right) were nobody in Sabah politics if not for the BN platform. It wasn't your brilliance but the strength of BN that lifted you,' Suhaimi (left) said. Kota Kinabalu: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has hit back at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, accusing him of hypocrisy and political betrayal. Suhaimi was responding to Joniston's criticism of Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who had recently said it would be difficult to work with GRS again due to past betrayals. 'What I saw wasn't a mature political argument, but a childish attack from someone who seems to have forgotten his own political roots,' Suhaimi said in a statement. He reminded Joniston that his political career began under Barisan Nasional (BN), through PBS when the party was part of the coalition. 'You were nobody in Sabah politics if not for the BN platform. It wasn't your brilliance but the strength of BN that lifted you,' he said. Suhaimi criticised PBS's record, pointing out the party's multiple exits and re-entries into BN, calling it a pattern of opportunism. He also questioned Joniston's silence during the January 2023 political crisis, saying he only took a stand after it was clear who would remain in power. 'Don't act self-righteous. GRS politics today is not built on moral strength but the moral weakness of others,' he said. Suhaimi said it was disingenuous for Joniston to now talk about rejecting cooperation with BN in the name of principle when he had once stood at the frontlines of BN victories. 'You left BN when times got tough – that's a fact you can't spin,' he said. 'Sabahans are not blind to history. They know who stood firm and who only showed up when there was something to gain. 'Don't make loyalty a joke. If you were truly loyal, you wouldn't have abandoned ship during a storm.' * 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
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Joining GRS was a clear choice: Joniston
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 Text Size: Joniston emphasised that some critics bring up PBS's past to score political points but forget that many ideas PBS supported before are now accepted by others. - FMT pic Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) cum Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said PBS has always fought for Sabah's autonomy. He said Umno Information Chief cum Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir's statement 'does not need a long reply', and stressed that PBS believes Sabah should be led by parties based in the State, making decisions that fit Sabah's needs. 'PBS has always stood for Sabah to be governed by its own people, with leaders who protect our rights and respect our identity,' he said. He admitted PBS's history is not perfect but said the party has always fought for fair treatment in Malaysia and a strong voice for the State. Joniston emphasised that some critics bring up PBS's past to score political points but forget that many ideas PBS supported before are now accepted by others. 'We were once criticised for asking for stronger local leadership and Sabah's rights. Now, those ideas are supported by former opponents,' he said. He said PBS left Barisan Nasional (BN) after careful thought, asking if it was best for Sabah. Joining GRS was a clear choice to work with local parties focused on Sabah's growth. Answering Suhaimi's insult calling him 'immature,' Joniston said PBS's strength comes from how it serves Sabah, defends its rights and builds a better future, not from old alliances. Looking ahead, Joniston is hopeful about Sabah's progress with GRS leading the State and working with the Federal Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted key wins like the federal special annual grant rising from RM50 million to RM600 million, and efforts to get back 40 per cent of Sabah's revenue from the Federal Government. Another important step is the deal between Sabah and Petronas, which lets local companies take part in the State's oil and gas industry, helping Sabah's revenue reach RM6.9 billion last year. 'With GRS leading and good teamwork with the Federal Government, Sabah is moving forward towards a brighter future,' Joniston said. * 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
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
French travel agents discover Sabah's appeal
Joniston exchanging momento with Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini. – picture courtesy of STB KOTA KINABALU (June 4): A delegation of key French travel agents has expressed admiration for Sabah's unique blend of culture, adventure and nature during their three-day visit to Kota Kinabalu, which concluded on Wednesday. Their short but meaningful stay included immersive activities such as jungle trekking on Gaya Island, a sunset cruise, cultural performances over dinner, and a visit to the iconic Mari Mari Cultural Village. Many described the experience as insightful and said they were keen to return and explore more of what Sabah has to offer. 'Sabah is on the right path,' said one of the delegates, Andreas Gantenbein, who is the managing director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France and Switzerland. 'This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality as well as the effort to share the local culture with us,' he added. Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said the response from the French agents reaffirmed Sabah's strong potential as a destination for the European market. 'Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders,' he said. On Tuesday, the Sabah Tourism Board hosted the group to a sunset cruise and dinner at the Gaya Island Resort, joined by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. In addressing the visiting agents, Joniston who is also chairman of Sabah Tourism Board expressed optimism over the growing French market. 'We are seeing more visitors from France coming to Sabah. From January to April this year, we received 2,116 French visitors, and that's an increase from 1,669 during the same period last year. 'In 2024, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is slowly finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers,' he said. Joniston acknowledged that safety remains a top concern for many travellers, especially first-timers, and reaffirmed Sabah's commitment to ensuring the state remains a safe and welcoming destination. 'Our security presence, especially in the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to make sure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see,' he said. Joniston, who also serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, mentioned that events like Sail Malaysia show the confidence international travellers have in Sabah's safety and hospitality. This year, the sailing rally will bring over 30 yachts with participants from more than 15 countries. They will explore Sabah from July to early September. 'Sail Malaysia offers a unique way to explore the state from the sea, where participants will get the opportunity to discover Sabah's coastal and inland attractions,' said Joniston, while inviting French agents to learn more about it. Present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah sees rise in French tourist arrivals, says state minister
Visiting French agents join in the fun as they take part in traditional Sabah dances during a cultural evening on the beach.-Photo courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is experiencing a steady increase in French tourist arrivals, with 2,116 visitors from France recorded in the first four months of this year, up from 1,669 in the same period last year. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the growing interest from France reflects Sabah's increasing appeal among European travellers seeking culture, adventure, and nature. "In 2023, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers," said Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board. He spoke during a dinner and sunset cruise hosted by the board on Tuesday (June 3) for a delegation of French travel agents who concluded their three-day familiarisation trip to Sabah on Wednesday (June 4). The group explored Gaya Island's jungle trails, experienced local culture at Mari Mari Cultural Village, and attended cultural performances, which many described as enriching and memorable. "Sabah is on the right path," said Andreas Gantenbein, Managing Director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France, and Switzerland. "This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality and the effort to share the local culture with us." Malaysia's Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said their response reaffirmed Sabah's potential as a prime destination for French tourists. "Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders," he said. Joniston said safety remains a top priority, particularly for first-time visitors. "Our security presence, especially on the east coast, is not because it's unsafe, but to ensure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see," he said. He also highlighted the Sail Malaysia Borneo event as a unique way for international visitors, including the French, to experience Sabah. Over 30 yachts from more than 15 countries are expected to join the rally between July and September this year. "Sail Malaysia offers a different perspective of Sabah from the sea and allows participants to explore both coastal and inland destinations," he added. Also present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris Director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
GRS to Bung: Don't play victim, we don't need you
Joniston KOTA KINABALU (June 3): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has fired back at Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, calling his latest remarks arrogant and disconnected from Sabah's political reality. 'Bung is the last person who should talk about loyalty or sincerity. He tried to bring down the very government he was part of, just to serve his own ambition. That speaks volumes,' he said. Joniston dismissed Bung's claim that GRS had betrayed Barisan Nasional (BN), describing it as a clear attempt to twist the narrative and deflect from his own actions. 'It's Bung who conspired with Warisan and PKDM in January 2023 to topple the government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'He wasn't betrayed, he was the one doing the betraying. Even while sitting in the State Cabinet, he had no respect for his colleagues in the State government led by Hajiji as Chief Minister.' Joniston stressed that GRS has never been reliant on Umno and is fully prepared to face the upcoming state election independently. As such Bung should stop with his arrogance by insinuating as if GRS is so hard up to work with Umno-BN. He also pointed out that during the political crisis, several Umno assemblymen refused to support Bung's move and instead threw their backing behind Hajiji, alongside PH. 'If anyone needs to reflect, it's Bung. Why did even your own colleagues abandon your 'Langkah Kinabalu'? Why did PH support Hajiji, not you? The answer is obvious because the trust wasn't with you,' he said. Joniston, who is also PBS information chief, reiterated that his party would never forget the insult hurled by Bung when he once labelled PBS as 'melukut di tepi gantang'. 'You showed no respect for PBS or your allies, and now you expect cooperation? Don't be surprised if Sabahans continue to reject Umno just like they did in other states across the Peninsula. 'Sabah isn't your political lifeline. Don't treat this state like your fallback plan,' he said, stressing that GRS is now focused on what matters – unity, stability and delivering for the people.
