Latest news with #17thStateElection
Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah parties must run Sabah: Nabawan PGRS
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Ghani cautioned party members against falling for malicious slander from opposition forces, describing such attacks as attempts to divide GRS component parties' unity. NABAWAN: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Nabawan division has thrown its full support behind party leadership's stance that local parties must remain the dominant force leading Sabah. Division Chief Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin said regardless of potential partnerships, all parties must agree that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should maintain its dominant position in governing the State. Speaking at the party's annual meeting at the youth hall Saturday, the Nabawan Assemblyman said the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17) presents an opportunity for GRS to prove that local party coalitions mandated by Sabahans can effectively govern for continued development and prosperity. 'Progress in any area must be based on systematic planning, organised management and political stability. I urge everyone not to waste the opportunity we have for political stability in our efforts to ensure Sabah's development continues in line with Sabahan aspirations,' Ghani said. He expressed confidence that GRS, as a local party coalition, can deliver political stability while generating multiplier effects for state development and welfare without external interference. Ghani cautioned party members against falling for malicious slander from opposition forces, describing such attacks as attempts to divide GRS component parties' unity. 'We and other component parties must unite to ensure GRS remains strong and favoured by the people in this state,' he said. He urged members to continue highlighting the State Government's ongoing achievements and genuine efforts to attract public support for GRS, particularly among Nabawan communities and Sabahans generally. Reflecting on political changes since 2018 following Barisan Nasional's fall, Ghani expressed confidence that the coalition of local parties can best translate Sabahan aspirations through solid unity and togetherness to restabilise the State's political arena. Regarding PRN17, Ghani noted that everyone awaits the Sabah State Assembly dissolution announcement, urging party members to prepare machinery, close ranks, and stay ready for any challenges to secure another victory. During his nearly five-year tenure as local representative, Ghani said he has tried various approaches to ensure Nabawan's welfare and development keeps pace with changing times and current community needs. 'The struggle is not over, there is still much I need to accomplish with grassroots support so that Nabawan people's development and welfare continue to be protected, not just for us but for future generations,' he said. Ghani highlighted GRS government achievements over three years despite various challenges, including effective governance during the Covid-19 pandemic and movement restrictions starting in 2020. 'This was also my first-year challenge as people's representative, we were tested by the Covid-19 pandemic while our political temperature remained uncertain during government leadership changes. We were also tested by natural disasters, including major floods in this district that had never occurred before,' he said. Despite challenges, he noted many successes and positive changes implemented for Nabawan. The annual party meeting drew 510 representatives and was attended by GRS component party leaders from the area. * 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
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
BN has not decided on number of seats: Bung
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 By: Noor Zafira Zayn Text Size: Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin said overlapping seat claims with GRS in areas such as Pantai Dalit and Tanjong Keramat were a major hurdle to cooperation. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said Barisan Nasional (BN) has not decided on the number of seats it will contest in the coming 17th State Election. 'If possible, we will contest all seats that we can win. If we can win 40 seats, then I want BN to contest 40 seats,' he said. Regarding potential discussions with GRS, he said 'any negotiations or discussions with GRS, let us discuss directly because I do not want intermediaries – there is no need for that. We only need clean hearts and souls.' The Lamag Assemblyman also said BN has yet to hold direct discussions or one-on-one negotiations with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) regarding potential electoral cooperation. Speaking to reporters after attending the Madani Rural Leadership Empowerment Convention at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Tuesday, the Kinabatangan MP said Sabah BN remains committed to working only with parties that demonstrate genuine sincerity and transparency. 'I will only seek cooperation with parties that show transparency, sincerity and do not deceive. If a party likes to cheat, there can be no cooperation.' Advertisement He said BN's stance on sincerity means that once agreements are reached, they must be honoured without fail. 'Sincerity means when we agree on something, we will not renege on it. Words must be kept, promises must be fulfilled - that is the condition. I dislike leaders who shed crocodile tears,' he said. While not ruling out cooperation with any party for the state election, Bung insisted that such parties must demonstrate genuine change and sincerity. Bung also suggested it would be more practical to consider unity after the state election to determine each party's actual electoral strength, adding that Sabah BN maintains cordial relations with Pakatan Harapan, though several matters still require discussion in any potential negotiation process. * 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
The Star
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Stronger PBS-Sabah STAR ties can only help GRS, says Gunsalam
KOTA KINABALU: The strengthened bond between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR is not meant to threaten the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. The PBS acting president said that stronger collaboration between the two parties is needed to better unify and strengthen GRS. ALSO READ: PBS and Sabah STAR eyeing more non-Muslim native seats ( He said unity among coalition members was necessary to face the coming 17th State Election. 'To face it, we must unite under GRS,' he said after officiating the Matunggong PBS annual general meeting on Tuesday (June 17). Joachim, who is Deputy Chief Minister II, also reminded PBS members to remain united, prevent disharmony, and assist the GRS candidate fielded in Matunggong. ALSO READ: PBS, Sabah STAR sign MOU towards political unity for Sabah's native communities ( He said PBS will represent GRS in Matunggong, with Datuk Julita Majungki as the candidate. 'Let us work hard to make sure all our candidates win in the coming state election,' he added. In April last year, PBS and Sabah STAR signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the state election. It was seen as a significant step towards forging political unity that had eluded the native communities for the last three decades.
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah dismisses election rift rumours
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Nizam expressed confidence that such a scenario is unlikely, given the strong commitment and cooperation among the component parties within GRS and its ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH). TAWAU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has dismissed speculation that component parties within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will inevitably clash during the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN). Nizam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, expressed confidence that such a scenario is unlikely, given the strong commitment and cooperation among the component parties within GRS and its ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH). Advertisement 'We've seen the state government under the GRS-PH administration deliver many positive results in terms of Sabah's progress and development, including protecting the welfare of the people,' he said during a visit to Kampung Kinabutan Bukit here on Sunday. 'I believe there will be no clashes among GRS component parties and no conflict with PH either,' he added. When asked about the potential of a clash between GRS and Barisan Nasional (BN), particularly Umno, in the upcoming election, Nizam said it would be up to BN to decide. The Apas assemblyman stressed that GRS's main focus is on strengthening the current unity government, which centres on cooperation, understanding, and mutual trust between GRS and PH. He revealed that this intention has already been informally communicated to the PH leadership in Sabah and to the Prime Minister, while also affirming that PGRS does not deny other parties the right to explore collaboration. 'Today's state government is formed through cooperation between GRS and PH, so naturally, our priority is to ensure the next government remains within that framework,' he said. Commenting further, Nizam said any party seeking to collaborate must understand that the priority for forming partnerships will lie with GRS and PH. As PGRS Zone 12 Coordinator (covering Tawau and Kalabakan divisions), Nizam also confirmed that the party has submitted the names of its potential candidates for the state election. 'We've requested all seven seats—Apas, Balung and Sri Tanjung under Tawau; and Merotai, Sebatik, Tanjung Batu, and Kukusan under Kalabakan. 'Ultimately, the decision lies with the PGRS leadership, but certainly, we aim to defend the three seats we currently hold—Apas, Balung, and Sebatik,' he said. On May 11, Prime Minister and PH Chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when met in Tawau, expressed optimism that a collaboration between PH, BN, and GRS could be established to face the 17th state election. However, he clarified that he could only speak on behalf of PH and would leave further discussions on the tripartite collaboration to BN and GRS. * 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
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
PGRS Pantai Manis backs solo GRS run
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Abdul Rahim (9th right, front row) posing with the division's main committee and some 1,000 delegates during the division's AGM on Sunday. PAPAR: Almost 1,000 delegates of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Pantai Manis division fully support a bold motion that called on Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest solo in the imminent 17th State Election (PRN17). Its divisional head Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Ismail said the division tabled the first motion which derived from aspiration of the grassroots in Pantai Manis constituency. Advertisement He said many wants GRS to fight and contest solo without any collaboration with other parties. 'This strong motion which shows the voice of the grassroots is reflecting growing sentiment for greater autonomy and self-determination in Sabah. 'PGRS Pantai Manis wholeheartedly and proudly supports the motion of our grassroots that Sabah to move forward and contest independently (in the upcoming PRN17). There will be no compromise. We will not back down. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
