Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) remains the most effective coalition to govern the state and unite its people, fulfilling Sabahans’ long-standing desire for leadership by local parties, according to GRS information chief Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking at an event to hand over ICT equipment to Catholic churches in Mantob, Kiulu, on Sunday, Joniston, who also serves as Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief and Kiulu assemblyman, highlighted the coalition’s success in meeting public aspirations.
“The people have long wanted local parties to take charge of Sabah’s direction, and that is now a reality under GRS,” he said.
Local Leadership and Public Support
Joniston pointed to growing public sentiment in Sabah, where diverse communities increasingly favour strong, united local parties to lead the state. He noted that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) support for Chief Minister Hajiji Noor reflects broader recognition of this preference, aligning with GRS’s vision for Sabah-centric governance.
In a pointed comparison, Joniston referenced the failed attempt by Parti Warisan and PKDM to oust Hajiji’s government in January 2023 by backing Umno to lead the state. “That’s the clear difference,” he said, underscoring GRS’s commitment to local leadership over external influence.
GRS’s Commitment to Unity and Development
Joniston emphasised that GRS’s strength lies in its constructive partnerships and mutual respect among its component parties. This collaborative approach, he said, enables better coordination on critical issues such as rural development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities—priorities that resonate deeply with Sabah’s electorate, who value tangible progress and inclusive governance.
The coalition’s relevance has been tested recently, following the withdrawal of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) from GRS. The decision stemmed from disagreements over GRS’s July agreement to partner with PH for the upcoming 17th Sabah state election.
SAPP’s Supreme Council endorsed its exit, citing the belief that the Sabah government should be led solely by local parties. Similarly, STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan had advocated for GRS to contest the election independently, arguing it reflected the will of Sabahans.
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