GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has poured cold water on talk of Sabah Star leaving the coalition, stressing that the joint stand of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Star remains intact unless overturned by their party presidents.
Bangkuai, who also serves as PBS information chief, reminded that both PBS and Star leaders had only days ago reaffirmed their commitment during a joint meeting on August 27.
“I take it as the official stand because this was a meeting among the top leadership of both parties. So unless there is something new from the presidents, the decision stays. That remains the position of both parties after that meeting,” he told reporters in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.
The Kiulu assemblyman was responding to calls by Sulaman division chief Kalakau Untol, who over the weekend urged Star to make a clean break from GRS, warning that grassroots were weary of coalition politics.
He stressed that inclusivity was the coalition’s foundation, likening GRS to its Sarawak counterpart GPS, where the dominant party chose to accommodate smaller allies.
“If we suddenly go solo, what message would that send? We were the ones promoting inclusivity,” he said.
Bangkuai also pointed out that GRS, despite allocating 18 seats to Pakatan Harapan under their pact, would still contest the lion’s share of 55 seats.
“That shows who remains dominant. And that is most important,” he said.
While conceding there would always be dissenting voices, Bangkuai underlined that the decision to remain in GRS had already been made.
“Status quo, isn’t it? Unless the presidents say otherwise, the stand of PBS and Star is clear. We are committed to GRS,” he said. - September 3, 2025
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