Latest news with #PartiBersatuSabah
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kitingan misses Kaamatan launch because of medical reasons
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was noticeably absent from the official launch of the state-level Kaamatan celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall on Friday (May 30). Kitingan, who also serves as the organising chairman of the month-long harvest festival, was said to have sprained his ankle, preventing him from attending the key cultural event that was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. An aide of Kitingan stated that he did not attend due to medical reasons. In his absence, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, took the stage to deliver Kitingan's prepared speech to guests and dignitaries gathered for the launch. The Prime Minister, in his address, acknowledged Kitingan's absence and shared that he had personally reached out to the Sabah STAR president earlier in the day. 'I called Jeffrey Kitingan earlier this morning, and he is recovering well,' Anwar said. Kitingan's absence did not go unnoticed, especially amid heightened political speculation over the direction of Gabungan Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. Political talk has been swirling that Kitingan might pull Sabah STAR out of GRS if Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor continues to push for the coalition to align with Pakatan Harapan. The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually throughout May, is one of Sabah's most important cultural events, particularly among the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. The presence of top leaders at its launch is typically seen as a show of unity, making Kitingan's absence all the more conspicuous.
Free Malaysia Today
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PBS backs GRS on local parties leading Sabah
PBS secretary-general Julita Majungki said it is crucial to ensure that Sabah's future is shaped by the aspirations of its own people. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : Parti Bersatu Sabah said it fully supports the notion that local parties should lead the state government, amid talk of a possible tie-up between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. PBS secretary-general Julita Majungki described GRS as the best and most proven platform to achieve this vision and that GRS should consider, 'if necessary, contesting the 17th state election independently'. 'This support is consistent with PBS's longstanding position since its founding: to champion the voices of Sabah people through leadership that is homegrown,' she said in a statement. PBS, one of eight component members of GRS, holds seven of the 42 seats the coalition has in the state assembly. GRS chairman Hajiji Noor last Friday said the coalition would go solo in the state election if PH and BN had finalised their electoral pact, adding that local Sabah parties should be the backbone and head of the state government. But on Sunday, PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said he was optimistic that the three coalitions would be able to reach an agreement for the state election. Anwar, the prime minister, said Hajiji had his full support to lead discussions on an election pact among GRS, PH, and BN. Hajiji, for his part, said the cooperation between GRS and Sabah PH had been smooth. Majungki stressed that it was crucial to ensure that Sabah's future was shaped by the aspirations of its own people, with a strong emphasis on stability, efficiency and fairness in governance. She said local parties possessed unique strengths, rooted in their deep understanding of Sabah's multicultural society, diverse geography and rich heritage. 'Local parties are born from the grassroots of the Sabah people. Leadership that is closely in touch with the pulse of the community enables policies to genuinely address the needs of the people. This is vital to ensure that development reaches every segment of society,' she added.
Malay Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sarawak shows the way: GRS info chief says solo contest in Sabah aligns with voters, won't hurt federal cooperation
KOTA KINABALU, May 14 – Citing the Sarawak state government as a prime example, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said a state government helmed by local parties does not hinder strong federal-state relations. Bangkuai, who is also state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister said the Sarawak government has maintained cordial and constructive ties with the federal government despite being administered by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'Even now, with GRS leading the state government, its working relationship with the federal administration has delivered tangible results,' he said during a presentation of appointment letters to Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen in Kiulu near here. Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief, said this model proves that contesting solo in the coming state election is both a viable and principled option for GRS. 'So, there should be no issue if GRS decides to contest solo. It is a move that aligns with the people's aspirations, to see Sabah led by a locally grounded coalition while maintaining cohesive ties with Putrajaya,' he said. Drawing further comparisons to the Sarawak experience, Bangkuai said GRS can and should emulate GPS's approach of governing independently while maintaining stable and mature federal cooperation. 'We can look to Sarawak. Although PH is in opposition there, and BN holds no presence, GPS continues to work constructively with Putrajaya as part of the federal government. 'The prime minister and the Sarawak premier meet regularly. This shows that political independence at the state level is not a hindrance, but in fact, a strength,' he said. His statement comes after national coalitions Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional announced their alliance heading into the coming state elections, prompting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to say that GRS was willing to contest independently if that were the case. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since called for collaboration among PH, BN, and GRS to ensure political stability and national progress. In response, Hajiji said GRS was still open to work together if a local party was leading the charge. The state government currently consists of GRS and PH, the latter which had 'saved' Hajiji from being toppled in early 2023 when Sabah BN withdrew their support for him and continues to act as opposition within the state. GRS consists of eight local component parties, of which at least half have stated their willingness to contest the election solo, without any other political party pacts.
Borneo Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBS: Local parties must lead Sabah government to reflect people's aspirations
Julita KOTA KINABALU (May 13): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has reaffirmed its belief that local political parties should form the core leadership of the state government to ensure Sabah's future is shaped by the aspirations and needs of its people. Its secretary-general, Datuk Julita Majungki, said that local parties possess a distinct advantage through their deep understanding of Sabah's unique ethnic diversity, geographical challenges and cultural richness. 'Local parties are born from the grassroots of Sabah. Leadership that reflects the people's heartbeat enables the creation of policies that truly address the rakyat's needs. This is essential for development that benefits all layers of society,' she said in a statement on Tuesday. Julita outlined several strengths of local parties, including their ability to develop context-specific policies, their sensitivity to issues such as native customary rights and rural infrastructure, their capacity for faster decision-making, and their commitment to defending Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Local leaders understand the real challenges faced by the people and are more capable of formulating effective, practical solutions. Local parties are not only efficient in governance, but also in steering Sabah toward a sustainable and progressive future,' she added. PBS also expressed strong support for recent remarks by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who advocated for local parties to serve as the backbone of the state government — even if it means contesting the upcoming 17th state election (PRN17) independently. Julita said this message aligns with PBS's long-standing position of championing grassroots leadership for Sabah. 'The GRS chairman's statement is a recognition of the strength and vital role of local parties. PBS welcomes this call and is fully committed to building a stable, united and people-focused state government,' she said. She urged Sabahans — especially the youth and those in rural communities — to view the upcoming election as a vital opportunity to elect leaders who genuinely understand, listen to, and serve with sincerity. 'Now is the time for us to stand tall as Sabahans. Local parties are not just an option — they are essential for securing a just, prosperous, and sovereign future for our beloved state. GRS is the best platform to realise this vision,' Julita concluded.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
PBS backs GRS push for local Sabah leadership
KOTA KINABALU: Local political parties in Sabah possess unique strengths due to their deep understanding of the state's multiracial society, diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. Parti Bersatu Sabah secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki ( pic ) said these parties should be entrusted to lead the state. "Local parties understand the rhythm of daily life here, from our cultural nuances to the unique challenges of rural communities. "This enables them to propose realistic solutions that resonate with the people," she said in a statement on Tuesday (May 13). Majungki noted several key strengths of local parties, including planning development specific to Sabah's context, awareness of local issues such as native customary rights and were also strongly committed to defending Sabah's rights as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. "Local leaders are more attuned to the true challenges faced by our communities. They are not only capable of administering effectively but also steering Sabah towards a more sustainable and forward-looking future," she added. Majungki expressed PBS' full support for Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's statement that local parties should form the backbone of the state government, even if it means contesting solo in the upcoming 17th Sabah Election. "The GRS chairman's statement affirms the crucial role and strength of local parties. PBS fully embraces this direction and will continue playing an active role in building a stable, united, and people-centric state government," she said.
