KIULU : – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has brushed off speculation that the party plans to leave the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, calling it an attempt by certain quarters to sow confusion and undermine the coalition’s unity ahead of the election.
The incumbent Kiulu assemblyman said the recurring rumours serve no purpose other than to unsettle supporters and disrupt the political stability that GRS has maintained through cooperation among its component parties.
“The issue of PBS leaving was not even mentioned in our recent Supreme Council meeting,” he said during a meet-the-people session at Kampung Lokub here, on Sunday.
“In fact, our Acting President, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, once again reaffirmed PBS’s commitment to strengthening GRS as a solid local coalition that continues to maintain a good and respectful working relationship with the Federal government,” he added.
Joniston said PBS’s position has always been guided by the belief that unity among local parties is crucial to ensuring long-term political stability and safeguarding Sabah’s interests.
While acknowledging that PBS remains attentive to sentiments on the ground, he stressed that what may be popular is not necessarily right.
He also cautioned that frequent shifts in political direction are unhealthy, as they can lead to instability detrimental to continuity and progress.
“We cannot afford to be in disarray because others will only stand to gain from our division,”he said, stressing the need for PBS and GRS to stay focused and cohesive as the election approaches.
“We recognise the dynamics of Sabah’s political landscape, and our decision has to be grounded on reality.
“PBS is committed to ensure GRS grow into a dominant political force in Sabah, much like GPS in Sarawak,” Joniston added.
