KOTA KINABALU: The aspiration for local parties to be dominant in governing Sabah has already been realised with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) at the helm, said its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
As a coalition of locally based parties, he said GRS remains the best platform to lead the state and unite the people to defend Sabah’s rights and protect its interests.
“The people have long wanted to see local parties taking charge of Sabah’s direction, and that is now a reality under GRS,” he said during a handover ceremony of ICT equipment to Catholic churches in Mantob here, on Sunday (Oct 5).
Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief and Kiulu assemblyman, said the growing public sentiment clearly shows that Sabahans want their state to be led by strong and united local parties.
“When Pakatan Harapan decided to support Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister, it showed they recognised the wishes of Sabahans that local parties should continue leading the state.
“This was different from Warisan and Parti KDM, who backed Umno to take charge of the state government,” he said in reference to the failed attempt, dubbed ‘Langkah Kinabalu’, to oust the Hajiji-led state government in Jan 2023.
Bangkuai said GRS remains relevant as a coalition that emphasises constructive partnership and respect among its component parties.
He said cooperation among Sabah leaders allows for better coordination in addressing key issues such as rural development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
“In politics, differences will always exist. What matters is how we manage them with respect, with patience, and with focus on the people’s welfare,” he said.
