KOTA KINABALU: Putrajaya listens when the Sabah state government can speak as one strong voice with clarity and firmness, says Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said this has been proven with the greater attention and allocations to Sabah from the federal government.
He said GRS’ ability to engage assertively yet constructively with the federal government has been key to ensuring Sabah’s needs and aspirations are better understood in Putrajaya.
“GRS’ effective political assertiveness with the federal leadership, including its alignment with the national unity administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has brought tangible benefits to the state.
“GRS has shown that when we speak with one voice and present Sabah’s priorities with clarity and firmness, Putrajaya listens,” he said, adding that this positive engagement has paved the way for greater attention and allocations to Sabah.
Bangkuai said this after meeting with Native Chiefs, Assistant Native Chiefs, and village chiefs here on Friday (Oct 10).
Giving an example, he said the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with PETRONAS, which led to greater state participation in the oil and gas industry, was how GRS’ steady and diplomatic handling of federal relations has secured greater recognition of the state’s rights.
He said these achievements were the result of consistent dialogue, mutual respect and political maturity in managing Sabah–Putrajaya relations.
“Slogans like ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ are popular and we understand why they resonate, but to me, progress depends on how we make that spirit work in real terms for the people,” said Bangkuai.
That was why it was important to maintain a conducive political atmosphere in Sabah, because there was no point calling others “peninsula traitors and intruders” when, in reality, constructive engagement with federal-based parties remains part of the political reality, he said.
“What matters most is that Sabah continues to be led by Sabah-based parties, and GRS has become the platform bringing these parties under one roof with the firm belief that Putrajaya will continue to recognise the people’s wish for leadership from local parties,” he said.
Bangkuai said GRS intended to carry this momentum forward by continuing to pursue initiatives and decisions that deliver real benefits to Sabah people.
“We want to build on this foundation of trust and understanding so that Sabah’s long-term development agenda stays on track,” he added.
