Eight corners contest in Kiulu.
KIULU : – Datuk Joniston Bangkuai of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is set to reclaim Kiulu, building on a decade of initiatives in tourism, agriculture, and community empowerment.
He will face seven challengers, each promising to take Kiulu forward, setting up a contest between continuity and change for the seat in the 17th Sabah state election.
They are Saibin Gunsari (Warisan); Henry Bin Saimpon (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat – PKDM); Terence Sinti (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku – STAR); Niyky @ Niky J Bosikol (Parti Impian Sabah – PIS); Joisin Romut (United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation – UPKO); Dusi Bin Gingging (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah); and Trevor Kenneth Maringking (Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri).
While Joniston’s critics argue that he has not done enough to meet the community’s needs, his supporters maintain that the foundations he has laid are too significant to abandon halfway.
Tourism players, village leaders and farmers highlight Kiulu’s growing international recognition in tourism and agriculture, crediting Joniston’s efforts to facilitate global collaborations, develop training initiatives and professionalise community operators.
Grassroots leaders note that the former Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman is a well-liked figure with professional connections across Malaysia and internationally, which he has leveraged to bring new opportunities and partnerships to Kiulu.
In agriculture, Joniston allocated RM1.5 million to improve agricultural roads, benefitting over 1,400 farmers across more than 6,600 hectares of farmland.
The investment is set to grow, with plans to increase the allocation to RM2 million to boost productivity and transport efficiency further.
The Kiulu incumbent has also widened opportunities for youth and women to excel through entrepreneurship, leadership platforms and skills-upgrading programmes that have helped broaden economic participation across the constituency.
Key initiatives, including the Bayag Bridge project and the construction of Administrative Building, are regarded as pivotal for the long-term expansion and organisation of Kiulu town.
Both projects, advanced during Joniston’s tenure, have moved into early phases and are expected to support future commercial and community development.
“These are plans we have shaped together with our communities, and with the support of Kiulu’s voters, we will continue moving forward and carry out these initiatives without delay,” he said after filing his nomination papers.
“I also want our young people to take the lead to bring new ideas, drive initiatives, and help shape Kiulu’s future,” he added.
In the 16th state election, Joniston won the seat with a majority of 1,221 votes against five other candidates. Currently, the Kiulu constituency has 17,191 registered voters.
