KIULU, Oct 7 — The decision by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) and Parti Maju Sabah (SAPP) to withdraw from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will not affect the coalition’s ongoing struggle to uphold Sabah’s rights, said Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Joniston, who is also Information Chief of both GRS and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), said even though Star and SAPP are no longer part of GRS, both parties still share the same aspirations and vision that led to the coalition’s formation.
“After all, Star and SAPP played key roles in the establishment of GRS, and I believe they still carry the ‘DNA’ of GRS,” he said during a Hari Bertemu Rakyat session at Kampung Tomis Jaya, here.
He hoped both parties would continue to support efforts to defend Sabah’s rights and interests, even from outside the coalition.
Joniston added that while political alignments may change, the shared goal of safeguarding Sabah’s autonomy and advancing its development should remain the unifying force among local parties.
He reminded that PBS, which governed Sabah from 1985 to 1994, learned the importance of collaboration in defending Sabah’s rights.
“Those years taught us that protecting Sabah’s rights is not easy. We must learn from that experience as we face today’s political landscape,” he said.
Drawing from that experience, Joniston stressed that acting alone will not solve problems — instead, dialogue and mutual understanding open more opportunities for Sabah’s progress.
He also emphasised that cooperation with the Federal Government should be viewed as a strategic partnership that enables Sabah to reclaim its rights through constructive engagement and dialogue.
“What we need is the right approach — whether through discussions or negotiations — as long as it helps us achieve meaningful outcomes for Sabah.
“Working closely with the Federal Government should not be seen as submission to Putrajaya, but rather as a strategic effort to reclaim our rights,” he said.
Two days earlier, GRS confirmed that the membership of Star and SAPP in the coalition had officially ended after both parties announced their intention to contest independently in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
GRS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the decision was conveyed by the presidents of both parties during the GRS Presidential Council meeting chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also the GRS Chairman, at Sri Gaya. — Daily Express
