No need for CM to resign as he has strong support

7 December 2024

NABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai affirmed the coalition government's unwavering commitment to maintaining political stability and fulfilling its responsibilities to the people of Sabah.

In a meeting with constituents at Kampung Nadau-Pomorian, Joniston emphasised that under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, the coalition remains united and resilient against any attempts to destabilize the government, asserting that such efforts will ultimately fail.

He further dismissed any speculation regarding imminent state elections, highlighting that the GRS-PH Plus government has recently proposed a historic RM6.45 billion State Budget—the largest in Sabah's history.

"Our primary focus now is to ensure the successful implementation of this budget and to bring development and progress to the state and its people," he stated to enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Joniston, who also serves as the information chief of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), pointed to significant achievements, including a remarkable increase in state revenue of nearly RM7 billion, as a testament to the state government’s hard work and transparency.

In light of an ongoing bribery scandal involving several assemblymen, he affirmed that the state leadership is dedicated to openness, noting that Chief Minister Hajiji has called upon the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the allegations, affirming that the government has "nothing to hide."

"It appears certain parties are struggling to accept a state government led by local parties that is performing effectively," he remarked, suggesting that those behind efforts to unseat Hajiji in early 2022 could be orchestrating the current bribery claims.

Joniston observed a coordinated agenda aimed at undermining the Hajiji-led government, stating, "There seems to be a deliberate attempt to demonise our government in a desperate bid for public support."

He specifically criticized a peninsula-based party that has been vocally advocating for Hajiji’s resignation, describing these calls as misguided.

"There is no reason for Hajiji to step down; he has the full support of the GRS-PH assemblymen," Joniston asserted.

"I believe the people of Sabah are astute enough to recognize these maneuvers and will know how to respond in the upcoming state elections."