Parties departure, Democracy at Work

30 October 2025

KIULU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) remains well-positioned to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) continues to stay strong and dominant, despite the recent withdrawal of STAR and SAPP from the coalition.

PBS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the party remains unfazed by the two parties’ departure, emphasising that PBS has withstood far greater political tests throughout its history.

“This is democracy at work, but at the same time, stability and unity must never be overlooked, and that is precisely where PBS continues to play its role,” he said during a meet-the-people programme at Kampung Rungus Panansawa on Thursday.

Joniston, who also serves as GRS Information Chief and is the incumbent Kiulu Assemblyman, highlighted that PBS’s influence within GRS is rooted in its consistency, grounded leadership, and experience in navigating Sabah’s ever-evolving political landscape.

“We’ve gone through many phases of change, yet our principles remain the same, to serve with dedication and always put the people first."

“PBS has long been a stabilising force within GRS, ensuring the coalition remains united, credible, and capable of meeting the expectations of Sabahans,” he said.

He added that PBS continues to champion people-centred and pragmatic policies that focus on genuine progress for local communities.

PBS is one of six component parties under GRS, alongside Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).

Meanwhile, Joniston also visited Kampung Balabakan, where he officiated the opening of a new agricultural access road, a project aimed at improving connectivity for farmers and enhancing rural productivity.

He noted that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kiulu’s development agenda, with ongoing efforts focused on upgrading infrastructure, empowering smallholders, and improving overall livelihoods through sustainable and community-driven initiatives.

“By investing in rural infrastructure such as farm roads, we are enabling our farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, access markets more easily, and ultimately improve their income,” Joniston said.