Latest news with #JonistonBangkuai
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
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
PBS stands firm on Sabah autonomy, defends track record
Joniston KOTA KINABALU (June 4): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remain committed to the principle that Sabah should be governed by parties rooted in the state and guided by local priorities, free from external influence, said PBS and GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. 'PBS has always remained consistent in this belief. Our political journey has been anchored on the conviction that Sabah should be led by its own — leadership grounded in local identity, accountability and a commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of our people,' he said. Responding to criticism from Libaran member of parliament and Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, Joniston acknowledged PBS's imperfect history but emphasised the party has never strayed from its founding mission. 'From the beginning, we have consistently championed state autonomy, fair treatment within the Federation, and the safeguarding of Sabah's voice and future,' he said. He also accused some of revisiting PBS's past for political convenience, ignoring the intentions behind the party's decisions. 'Many of the positions we took — once criticised as out of step — are now being echoed and championed by those who previously opposed them,' he added. Joniston stressed that PBS's history of political alliances and realignments reflects a consistent pursuit of Sabah's best interests. 'Our decision to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) came after deep reflection on whether that alliance still aligned with Sabah's aspirations. Every political decision we make is anchored on one question: Is this good for Sabah?' he said. He explained that PBS joined GRS with a clear sense of purpose, aligning with local parties that understand and prioritise Sabah's needs. 'GRS embodies the same values PBS has long upheld. Together, we are confident of achieving meaningful development for the state,' he said. Addressing Suhaimi's criticism labelling him as 'kebudak-budakan' (childish), Joniston replied, 'PBS's relevance is not defined by past affiliations but by how we serve, how we consistently defend Sabah's rights, and our commitment to a stronger future.' He pointed to tangible progress under the GRS-led State Government in collaboration with the federal administration, including a major increase in the federal special annual grant from just over RM50 million to RM600 million. He also highlighted the signing of a Commercial Collaborative Agreement (CCA) between the State Government and Petronas, allowing local companies to play a significant role in Sabah's oil and gas sector. This move helped boost state revenue to RM6.9 billion last year. 'With GRS at the helm, we can already see the light at the end of the tunnel,' Joniston concluded.
The Star
2 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.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Bung should be the last to talk about loyalty, says Joniston
GRS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said the coalition had never been reliant on Sabah Umno. (Japen pic) PETALING JAYA : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief Joniston Bangkuai today hit back at state Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin for saying it was tough to work with GRS due to its past betrayal. Joniston, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief, said Bung was the last person who should be talking about loyalty or sincerity. 'It was Bung who conspired with Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat in January 2023 to topple the (state) government led by chief minister Hajiji Noor. 'Bung wasn't betrayed, he was the one betraying (others). 'Even while sitting in the state Cabinet, he had no respect for his colleagues in the state government led by Hajiji,' he said in a statement. He said during the political crisis, several Umno assemblymen refused to support Bung's move and instead backed Hajiji, as did Pakatan Harapan. 'If anyone needs to reflect, it's Bung. 'Why did your colleagues abandon your 'Kinabalu Move'? 'Why did PH support Hajiji instead of you? The answer is obvious: you didn't have their trust,' he said. Joniston said GRS had never been reliant on Umno and reiterated that the coalition was fully prepared to face the upcoming state election independently. Earlier today, Bung said Sabah Umno would not work with GRS in the upcoming state election and that it would only consider working with the party after the state polls. Citing his party's 'dark and bitter' past with GRS, Bung said they needed to practise caution in working with the coalition again. PH and Barisan Nasional have already announced an alliance for the Sabah polls, which must be held by the end of the year. This prompted GRS to threaten to go solo. GRS and PH are currently allies in Hajiji's state government while BN sits in the opposition in the Sabah legislative assembly. However, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim had expressed confidence that PH, BN and GRS would be able to agree on an alliance for the state election. Last week, the prime minister said discussions among the three coalitions were ongoing. Despite the negotiations, several Sabah BN and GRS leaders have traded barbs over the past few weeks, including Bung and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Jeffrey Kitingan.
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
MOU with Boseong county marks new chapter in cultural ties, says Bangkuai
KOTA KINABALU: The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Boseong County, South Korea, marks a meaningful step towards building deeper cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The state Assistant Tourism Minister further described the collaboration as a people-focused partnership, adding the timing of the agreement made it especially significant. The MOU was inked during a welcoming dinner held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival in Kota Kinabalu on Friday (May 31). It was signed by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary I Mary Malangking and Boseong County deputy governor Seo Hyung Bin, and witnessed by Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman, alongside the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Boseong County director-general, Rho Joung Yi. 'This partnership is about people. It is about building connections and sharing stories. Signing this MOU during the Kaamatan Festival makes it all the more special. 'With this year's theme, Kaamatan for All, we are eager to share our celebration with the world, and it is an honour to welcome our friends from Boseong to be part of it,' he said. Bangkuai highlighted Sabah's recent participation in the Green Tea Festival in Boseong as a valuable cultural exchange, adding that the warm welcome and chance to learn about Korean tea culture were deeply appreciated and reflective of the spirit of mutual respect. With direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, he believes the collaboration could lead to more exchanges in the form of cultural performances, reciprocal visits and tourism promotions. As part of this cultural exchange, a Boseong cultural troupe is scheduled to perform during the Kaamatan Festival grand finale at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang. 'This will allow Sabahans to experience the vibrancy of Boseong's cultural heritage, just as we hope to one day bring the Kaamatan Festival to Boseong,' Bangkuai added.
