Latest news with #Banah
The Star
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah polls: Joint election machinery between GRS and Sabah Pakatan likely
KOTA KINABALU: The likelihood of a joint election machinery between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Pakatan Harapan is becoming increasingly clear, with repeated signals of intent from Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah said the cooperation between the two political blocs appears to be heading in a positive direction as both sides have demonstrated mutual respect and support. "The confidence is there. The Chief Minister has, on several occasions, expressed his openness and desire to work together with Pakatan Harapan," he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Inanam Annual Conference at the Menggatal Community Hall on Tuesday (June 17). Banah noted that Sabah Pakatan had also shown support for Hajiji's leadership and administration, signalling strong groundwork for a potential collaboration in the upcoming 17th state election (PRN-17). He said the matter of forming a formal joint election operation between GRS and Pakatan would be discussed and decided at the GRS Supreme Council meeting in the near future. "If this cooperation is finalised, we will set up a joint election machinery in every district to ensure that GRS candidates have the full backing needed to win in PRN-17," he said. Banah also confirmed that GRS currently shares a common view with Barisan Nasional, to not pursue any electoral cooperation for the state polls. He expressed optimism that the existing working relationship between GRS and Sabah Pakatan within the state Cabinet had laid a solid foundation for political stability in Sabah, which should continue through the election. He also commended Hajiji's leadership, describing him as a unifying force at the forefront of Sabah politics. "His leadership is the shield that protects political harmony and progress in the state. We believe the people trust him, and his ideas will be the rallying point for GRS consensus candidates to secure victory," Banah added. The Gagasan Rakyat Inanam division is led by Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who was also present at the conference.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Unity, not overconfidence, secures GRS wins, says party VP
KOTA KINABALU: Pitas and Pintasan may be reliable strongholds for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), but lasting victory in the 17th state election (PRN17) will come through unity, focus, and discipline and not overconfidence. Gagasan Rakyat vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah said that while both constituencies have shown strong grassroots support, party members must avoid taking their success for granted. 'Pitas and Pintasan are shaping up to be 'fixed deposits' for GRS in PRN17. But we cannot afford to be complacent. Victory is never automatic,' he said at the Gagasan Rakyat annual general meetings for the Pitas and Pintasan divisions over the weekend. The Pitas division is led by assemblyman Datuk Ruddy Awah, also the Assistant Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, while the Pintasan division is led by assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renndan, also the Assistant Youth and Sports Minister. Later in Kota Belud, during the Pintasan meeting, Banah urged members not to act based on personal agendas but to follow the party's leadership and direction. 'We should not waste time speculating on when the state assembly will be dissolved. That decision lies with the party president. Our duty is to stay the course and work hard on the ground,' he stressed. Banah, who is also the Kuamut assemblyman, said party leaders at all levels must stay focused and not be swayed by opposition noise. He called on all party members to maintain their momentum and close ranks ahead of PRN17, adding that it is unity, not just strong polling areas, that will secure victory for GRS.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah polls: GRS eyes 52 seats, 21 to national parties, says Banah
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is expected to field candidates in at least 52 out of the 73 state constituencies in the upcoming 17th state election (PRN17), signalling a strong push by the coalition to retain power. "Given the strong local sentiment towards Sabah-based parties ahead of this election, I foresee us contesting 52 seats, subject to the approval of GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor," said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah. "The remaining 21 seats will be allocated to national parties that agree to cooperate with GRS," Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah told hundreds of attendees at a roadshow in Kampung Mananam, Tenom, on Saturday (May 24). Banah expressed confidence that local candidates under the GRS banner could outperform opposition parties, particularly those previously rejected by voters during their time in government. The Kuamut assemblyman stressed that GRS would be more cautious in forming future alliances, citing the failed power grab attempt during the 'Langkah Kinabalu' episode in January 2023. Several opposition assemblymen and political leaders from Sabah Barisan Nasional and Parti Warisan, along with defectors who allegedly wanted to align state power, tried to engineer a change of government by persuading elected representatives to switch allegiance and withdraw support from Hajiji. However, the plan failed after Hajiji managed to retain majority support in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, thanks to backing from most GRS component parties, several Sabah Barisan assemblymen, and Sabah Pakatan Harapan, which pledged support for political stability. Banah, meanwhile, stated that the current working relationship between GRS and Sabah Pakatan, both politically and administratively, remains strong and should be maintained. He believes that if the collaboration continues into the upcoming election, the coalition stands a strong chance of forming the Sabah government once again. Earlier, Banah received a warm welcome from the Orang Sungai Making ethnic community at the Mananam District Polling Centre (PDM), accompanied by a convoy of over 30 motorcycles waving GRS flags. The GRS roadshow was attended by all division chiefs from the coalition's component parties in the Kuamut constituency. Apart from Gagasan Rakyat, the other seven GRS component parties are Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno), Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Attacks on Chief Minister Hajiji stem from jealousy, says Gagasan's Masiung
KOTA KINABALU: The recent political slander and online attacks against Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stem from envy over his achievements, says Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah vice-president Datuk Masiung Banah. He said the opposition, having failed to deliver when in power, is resorting to fabrications and personal attacks on social media to sway public opinion before the 17th State Election. "They are clearly jealous of Hajiji's progress and what the GRS government has accomplished in a short time. This is why they are spreading lies and even hurling insults at our Chief Minister," he said at the Gagasan Rakyat Tri-Annual Meeting in Kampung Saub, a Lundeyah village near Nabawan on Friday (May 23). Banah said that rather than responding with hostility, Gagasan Rakyat members must focus on strengthening grassroots support and maintaining composure in the face of provocation. He urged members to avoid retaliating with slander or insults, stressing the importance of respectful political engagement grounded in facts. "We know our grassroots supporters are affected by the opposition's malicious online campaigns. But we should not stoop to their level," he said. The Kuamut assemblyman also warned against adopting the opposition's toxic cyber trooper culture, which he said thrives on vilification and false narratives. "Supporters must not fall into the trap of conflict. We need to counter these attacks by being more strategic, through facts, engagement, and unity at the grassroots," he added. Banah stressed that true strength lies in growing the party's influence at the community level, not through hostility, but by staying focused on long-term goals.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: DSS to kick off on June 27 with discounts, exclusive offers, concerts
The city of Dubai has long been associated with shopping, even during the scorching summer months, and this year the emirate is gearing up for the heat with what it promises to be the largest-ever edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said that DSS 2025 will kick off on June 27 and will last until August 31. Over the course of 66 days, it will feature three major retail campaigns, each packed with exclusive offers, rewards, and interactive mall activations. The Summer Holiday Offers (June 27–July 17), the Dubai Summer Mega Sale (July 18–August 10), and Back to School (August 11–31) are designed to provide unbeatable deals across Dubai's premier shopping destinations. Foodies will be in for a treat during Dubai Restaurant Week from July 4–12, featuring curated menus at top restaurants, while shoppers can look forward to daily 12-hour flash sales and exclusive limited-time offers. For those who are into music, the city will host live performances for artists including Banah, Adnan Sami, Adonis, and Shreya Ghoshal. Additionally, Dubai Opera will host a theatrical show called Made in Kuwait on August 29 and 30. DSS will also offer special hotel packages, family deals at major attractions, and raffle draws with high-value prizes. The full calendar of events will be unveiled soon, showcasing a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of summer in Dubai.
