KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has brushed off speculation that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) plans to leave the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
The party information chief described such political talk as 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 in Kiulu about 60km from here on Sunday (Oct 12).
“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.
Political talk of PBS leaving has emerged after Sabah STAR led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, pulled out of GRS on Oct 1 after disagreeing with the local coalition’s move to pact with Pakatan Harapan in the coming election.
Joniston said PBS’s position has always been guided by the belief that unity among local parties was crucial to ensuring long-term political stability and safeguarding Sabah’s interests.
While acknowledging that PBS remained attentive to sentiments on the ground, he stressed that what may be popular was 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 in reality.
“PBS is committed to ensuring GRS grows into a dominant political force in Sabah, much like GPS in Sarawak,” Joniston added.
