GRS should lead Sabah Politic

1 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: It is essential for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to remain dominant and take the lead in shaping political narratives in Sabah, particularly in any form of alliance with national-based parties.

GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said this position aligns with the sentiments and aspirations of the majority of Sabahans, who have consistently voiced support for a locally-led coalition to chart the state’s future.

“We must not ignore the people’s voices. The growing sentiment favouring local-based parties is genuine and must be respected. However, in responding to this, we must act with wisdom and foresight,” he said during a meeting with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) grassroots leaders.

Joniston, who also serves as PBS Information Chief, emphasised that all political decisions must be guided by Sabah’s long-term interests, rather than emotions or external influences.

While acknowledging that GRS has thus far maintained a positive working relationship with federal partners such as Pakatan Harapan (PH), he stressed that any future collaboration must be grounded in a firm and binding commitment to Sabah’s rights.

In particular, he highlighted the long-standing demand for the return of 40 per cent of the net revenue collected by the federal government from Sabah.

“Any continued cooperation must come with formal assurances. Sabah’s rights must be honoured and delivered, not merely raised as campaign rhetoric during elections,” said the Kiulu Assemblyman.

Joniston also called for seat negotiations to be conducted through fair and equitable discussions, reflecting the strength and support of Sabah-based parties.

He reiterated that while GRS currently leads the state government in collaboration with PH, any future political arrangements must reflect the aspirations of the Sabah people and be grounded in mutual respect.

“We value our partnership with national-level allies, but ultimately, Sabahans must be in the driver’s seat when it comes to shaping the state’s future,” he said.

“It’s about striking the right balance between unity and autonomy. Even now, GRS leads the state government alongside PH based on shared understanding. What we must avoid, however, are decisions that risk eroding public trust—particularly by entertaining alliances with parties that once undermined the state’s political stability.”

Reflecting on the political journey of PBS, Joniston said the party’s past experiences have shaped its principled stance, one that firmly defends Sabah’s rights while maintaining constructive engagement with the federal government.

He noted that although PBS was once widely recognised for its assertive advocacy of state rights during its nine-year tenure from 1985 to 1994, the current political climate demands a more strategic and united approach, both within GRS and in dealing with Putrajaya.