Joniston…GRS can govern independently while maintaining stable and mature federal.
KIULU : -A state government helmed by local parties is not a barrier to strong federal-state relations, said Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Citing Sarawak as an example, Joniston, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief, pointed out that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a coalition of local parties, continues to maintain cordial and constructive ties with the federal government despite governing the state independently.
Speaking at the presentation of appointment letters to Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen here, Joniston said this model proves that GRS contesting solo in the coming state election is both viable and principled.
“Even now, with GRS leading the state government, its working relationship with the federal administration has delivered tangible results.
“So, there should be no issue if GRS decides to contest solo. It is a move that aligns with the people’s aspirations, to see Sabah led by a locally grounded coalition while maintaining cohesive ties with Putrajaya,” he said.
Drawing further comparisons to the Sarawak experience, Joniston said GRS can and should emulate GPS’s approach of governing independently while maintaining stable and mature federal cooperation.
“We can look to Sarawak. Although PH is in opposition there, and BN holds no presence, GPS continues to work constructively with Putrajaya as part of the federal government.
“The Prime Minister and the Sarawak Premier meet regularly. This shows that political independence at the state level is not a hindrance, but in fact, a strength,” he stressed.
The GRS coalition is firming up its position ahead of the upcoming state election, following recent political manoeuvrings involving Sabah PH and BN.
GRS Chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had indicated that GRS may contest independently after PH and BN jointly announced their plan to cooperate in the Sabah election.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since called for collaboration among PH, BN, and GRS to ensure political stability and national progress.
GRS has maintained a working relationship with PH at the state level, following the coalition’s support for Hajiji during the political crisis in January 2023 when UMNO and Warisan attempted to unseat him.