KOTA KINABALU: Political independence for Sabah does not come at the expense of federal cooperation or national progress, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief stated that GRS governing the state on its own was both viable and principled, aligning with the people’s aspiration for a locally grounded administration.
Bangkuai, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief, cited Sarawak as an example of how a coalition of local parties can maintain strong and constructive ties with the Federal Government while leading the state independently.
"Even now, with GRS heading 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 reflects the people’s desire to see Sabah led by local parties, without compromising relations with Putrajaya," he said when presenting appointment letters to Village Development and Security Committee chairmen in Kiulu on Wednesday (May 14).
Bangkuai, who is also the Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, added that GRS can emulate Sarawak’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak, which continues to cooperate with the Federal Government despite the absence of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional in the state’s ruling coalition.
"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 said.
GRS is strengthening its position ahead of the upcoming state election, following recent developments involving Sabah Pakatan and Barisan, who have announced their intention to cooperate in the polls.
Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had earlier indicated that GRS may contest independently if Pakatan and Barisan finalise their electoral pact, adding that local Sabah parties should be the backbone and head of the state government.
However, Prime Minister and Pakatan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his working visit to Tawau on Sunday (May 11), expressed optimism that the three coalitions would reach an agreement for the state election.
Anwar said he fully supported Hajiji in leading discussions on a potential electoral pact between GRS, Pakatan, and Barisan.
GRS has maintained a working relationship with Pakatan at the state level since the January 2023 political crisis, when the coalition supported Hajiji following an attempt by Sabah Umno and Warisan to unseat him.
