Sabah polls: State's relations with federal government must be maintained – Joniston

SABAH's success is a result of consistent engagement and a mature relationship with the Federal Government through the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration.

GRS Information Chief, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that in supporting the positive momentum, the relationship must be maintained to enable Sabah to achieve encouraging progress.

He said that the progress seen today is the result of five years of constructive dialogue and practical cooperation by GRS which has strengthened Sabah's position at the federal level and delivered significant development benefits.

"To enable the state and the federation to move together, it requires a consensus from both parties," he said, adding that progress can only be achieved when both parties share common goals for the well-being of the people.

Joniston, who is also the Information Chief for Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and the incumbent Kiulu assemblyman, further commented that constructive politics is about finding balance, determining when to speak out firmly and getting involved to achieve results.

According to him, although political differences are part of democracy, the people of Sabah cannot be easily influenced by divisive sentiments that portray cooperation as weakness or 'submissiveness'.

"We must be practical, national policies are decided at the federal level and Sabah must remain an active player in that relationship.

"By building relationships, our voices are heard and our needs are addressed, not as an obstacle to our progress," he said.

Joniston also emphasised PBS's commitment to educating the people on their rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), linking the party's efforts in increasing public understanding and awareness.

"That is PBS's greatest contribution. Empowering the people, helping them understand their rights while promoting unity, he said.

He added that with the progress being achieved, the people of this state must maintain the spirit of continuity in the administration that has been brought so far.

"Sabah is moving in the right direction. This is not the time to start over," he said. - October 19, 2025