Latest news with #17thSabahStateElection
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBS hits back at Bung: 'We stated a principle, not a plea'
Christopher KOTA KINABALU (June 28): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Datuk Dr Christoper Mandut has hit back at Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's statement, calling it 'defensive, bitter and riddled with contradictions.' Christopher said PBS never claimed to have received an official offer from Barisan Nasional (BN), but simply made clear its position that the party will not cooperate with BN in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. 'Whether or not an invitation was extended is beside the point. We are stating our stand, which is our democratic right – not imagining things. It is called principle,' he said in a statement on Saturday. His comments came in response to Bung's remark that PBS was rejecting 'something that was never offered,' while accusing the party of political irrelevance and historical betrayal. Christoper questioned the logic of such attacks, saying that if PBS was truly insignificant, there would be no reason for Sabah Umno to dedicate an entire press release to the party. 'The contradiction speaks for itself,' he said, adding that the hostility from Bung appeared to reflect a sense of insecurity rather than genuine political confidence. He emphasised that PBS, as one of Sabah's oldest and most established political parties, remained focused on its core struggle – upholding Sabah's rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 'We have a clear political track record and continue to resonate with generations of Sabahans. Unlike some, we don't need to tear others down to stay relevant,' he added. Responding to accusations that PBS had 'jumped coalitions' and 'betrayed allies, Christoper turned the spotlight on Umno's own political realignments over the years, urging Bung to reflect on his own party's history. 'Politics is not static. Parties realign based on the needs of the people they represent. What matters is whether those choices are made in the interest of the rakyat – not out of personal ambition,' he stressed. He also rejected Bung's remarks that PBS was merely 'clinging to the coattails of others,' saying that the party remained a proactive and constructive partner in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government. Christopher called for maturity and respect in political discourse ahead of the coming election, warning that Sabahans were watching and deserved better than 'petty personal attacks and theatrics.' 'Let's rise above insults and name-calling. The people are intelligent and they know who is working sincerely for them, and who is only making noise in the media,' he said.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
PBS rejects BN tie-up, backs GRS
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 Text Size: Joachim said PBS also reiterated its stance to remain loyal to the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), for the coming polls. Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has rejected political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the coming 17th Sabah State Election. PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the decision was made after the majority of the party's Supreme Council (AMT) members disagreed with collaborating with BN in the coming state election. Joachim said PBS also reiterated its stance to remain loyal to the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), for the coming polls. 'Our position is clear. PBS will continue working within the GRS coalition and remains committed to this political cooperation ahead of the state election. 'PBS also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties and collaboration with GRS component party Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah), led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan,' he said in a statement, Thursday. The current five-year term of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly will expire on Nov 11. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah polls: PBS rejects cooperation with BN
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has rejected political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the decision was made after the majority of the party's Supreme Council (AMT) members disagreed with collaborating with BN in the coming state election. Joachim said PBS also reiterated its stance to remain loyal to the ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), for the upcoming polls. "Our position is clear. PBS will continue working within the GRS coalition and remains committed to this political cooperation ahead of the state election. "PBS also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties and collaboration with GRS component party Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah), led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan," he said in a statement today. The current five-year term of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly will expire on November 11.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBS will stick with GRS in state polls - Joachim
Dr Joachim with the supreme council members. PENAMPANG (June 26): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will remain with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), reaffirming the party's loyalty to the ruling coalition. Its acting president, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said the PBS Supreme Council (AMT) made the decision during its meeting held at the party headquarters here on Wednesday where key party matters and strategic directions were discussed. 'Our position is clear. PBS will continue to work within the GRS coalition. We are committed to this political partnership as we head into PRN17,' he said in a statement after chairing the meeting. Dr Joachim said the party also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties and collaboration with fellow GRS component Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (StarSabah), led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. 'We believe that unity among local-based parties is vital to ensuring political stability and continued development for Sabah. Our relationship with StarSabah will be further reinforced,' he said. He added the majority of the AMT also do not want to work with Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN). Earlier on, the meeting was also attended by PBS Premier Advisor Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan who provided input on the party's strategic direction. 'Tan Sri Pairin shared valuable insights during the Political Bureau meeting. His guidance on PBS's 'Hala Tuju' or future direction remains significant to the party's leadership,' said Joachim. He said the AMT also discussed election preparedness and ongoing grassroots efforts to strengthen PBS's support base ahead of the state polls. Dr Joachim also reiterated that PBS will stay focused on championing local interests, native rights and ensuring Sabah's voice is heard in national affairs through constructive political engagement. He called on all party members to remain united and committed to the party's struggle, urging them to fully prepare for the electoral battle with confidence. Dr Joachim Gunsalam GRS lead pbs
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat confident of seizing Tanjung Aru from Warisan
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Tanjung Aru Division of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) is confident that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will reclaim the Tanjung Aru state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). Division committee member, Dr. Mohd Ritchie Jay Cheng, said the confidence stems from the coalition's consistent grassroots engagement and outreach efforts in the constituency. "We are confident that we can take back the Tanjung Aru seat from Warisan in the next state election, based on our ongoing efforts to connect with and serve the people here. "The people are able to judge for themselves which party is capable of delivering real progress for Sabah, as seen through the initiatives rolled out by the GRS-led government to benefit communities at all levels," he said. He made the remarks after handing over life jackets and signal lights to registered fishermen at Kampung Sembulan Lama on Sunday (22 June). Speaking on the aid distribution, Dr. Mohd Ritchie, who also chairs the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association, said a total of 150 units of similar aid were being distributed to fishermen in the area. Advertisement The initiative included 50 life jackets and signal lights each for fishermen in Kampung Sembulan Lama, Kampung Tanjung Aru, and Pulau Gaya. "We're concerned about the safety needs of fishermen, especially when out at sea. Life jackets and signal lights are essential for their protection," he said. He added that this was just the first phase of assistance, with plans underway to expand the programme to benefit more fishermen in the near future. The Tanjung Aru state seat is currently held by Datuk Junz Wong of Warisan, who won the seat for a second term during the 2018 state election. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
