KUALA LUMPUR – The dominance of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in shaping the political direction of Sabah is vital, particularly when entering any partnership with national parties, according to the coalition’s information chief, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He emphasised that this approach aligns with the majority of Sabahans, who have voiced their preference for a local-led coalition to guide the state's future.
“We cannot disregard the people's voices. The growing support for local parties to take the lead is undeniable and must be respected. However, in addressing this, we must exercise wisdom and foresight,” Joniston said during a meeting with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) grassroots leaders in Kiulu.
As PBS information chief, Joniston highlighted that political decisions should be made with the long-term interests of Sabah in mind, rather than emotional impulses or external pressures.
GRS currently leads the state with a Sabah-first approach, emphasizing autonomy, development, and stability under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who heads its largest component, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
The coalition includes eight Sabah-based parties—PBS, STAR, SAPP, USNO, PCS, LDP, Harapan Rakyat, and Gagasan Rakyat—united by regionalist ideals and a shared commitment to local governance.
Ahead of the 2025 state election, GRS is navigating a strategic alliance with Pakatan Harapan (PH) while asserting its dominance as the primary force shaping Sabah’s political future.
While GRS has had productive relations with federal partners such as PH, Joniston stressed that any future collaboration must be built on a solid, binding commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s rights.
He specifically referred to the long-standing demand for the return of 40% of the net revenue collected by the federal government from the state.
“If any future cooperation is to continue, it must come with formal guarantees. Sabah's rights must not be merely discussed during elections but respected and delivered,” the Kiulu Assemblyman asserted.
Joniston also called for fair and balanced discussions regarding seat allocations, ensuring that Sabah-based parties’ strength and support are duly recognised.
He reiterated that although GRS continues to lead the state government in collaboration with PH, any future partnerships must align with the aspirations of the people of Sabah and be founded on mutual respect.
“We value our partnership with national-level allies, but the future of Sabah must be shaped by Sabahans themselves. It's about finding the right balance between unity and autonomy. Even now, GRS is at the helm of the State government, collaborating with PH based on a shared understanding,” he said.
However, Joniston warned against decisions that could undermine public trust, including forging alliances with parties that had previously destabilised the state government.
Reflecting on PBS's political history, Joniston noted that past experiences had informed the party's strategy of firmly defending Sabah’s rights while maintaining constructive relations with the federal government.
He acknowledged that although PBS was renowned for its strong stance on State rights during its tenure from 1985 to 1994, today’s political landscape requires a more strategic and united approach within GRS and in dealings with Putrajaya. - August 1, 2025
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