Latest news with #Community-BasedTourismConference
The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
PBS-Sabah STAR pact about strengthening GRS, not forming new bloc, says Bangkuai
KOTA KINABALU: Collaboration between native-based Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR does not signify the formation of a new political bloc, but is instead firmly rooted in efforts to strengthen the existing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition. PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the alliance aims to consolidate GRS' position and ensure it remains a strong, united force ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. 'We are not forming a new bloc. Our partnership with Sabah STAR is about reinforcing GRS' unity and demonstrating that its component parties can work closely together, not just at the leadership level but also on the ground. 'This collaboration strengthens GRS, and shows that we are serious about building a stable and cohesive government for Sabah,' he said when met after the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo 2025 here on Saturday (June 28). Bangkuai, who is also the GRS information chief, also clarified that discussions on campaign branding, including the use of logos or banners, are still ongoing. 'Well, that is something that we have yet to decide. But then, our leadership has already more or less implied that it is important for us to contest as GRS candidates. 'That will further emphasise the seriousness of GRS to form the next government. And we have to be contesting under the GRS logo,' he said ahead of the PBS-Sabah STAR (BEST) Convention 2025, which is scheduled on July 12. Bangkuai added that the PBS-Sabah STAR convention is held to follow up on the Memorandum of Collaboration signed by the two parties in April last year, with the goal of avoiding overlapping seat contests and boosting cooperation ahead of PRN17. He pointed out that it was important to strengthen cooperation at all levels, particularly among grassroots leaders, as victory in the polls will depend on teamwork and mutual understanding. 'For us to win the election, we must have strong working relationships at every level. This is a sign that GRS parties are capable of cooperating closely, which voters want to see,' he said. He also rejected political commentary suggesting that PBS was distancing itself from GRS, or was seeking alliances elsewhere. 'We are a founding member of GRS, and our position has not changed. We are focused on making GRS stronger,' he said. Bangkuai also stressed that the current state government is made up of GRS, its 'Plus' partners such as Pakatan Harapan, and some individual Sabah Umno assemblymen, not Barisan Nasional as a coalition. 'The formula we have today is working, and we want to maintain that stability. Barisan is not part of the state government; only certain Umno representatives are, in their personal capacity,' he said. He urged all parties to focus on building political maturity and delivering results, rather than engaging in unnecessary provocation or speculation.
The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
No to Umno: PBS dismisses Bung's 'bitter' claims
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has dismissed claims that it wanted to work with Umno in the coming state election. PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that the party had always been clear in its stance on the matter. "PBS never said we wanted to work with Barisan or merge with anyone. We are committed to strengthening the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition and working with our existing partners in government,' he said. He was responding to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who claimed PBS was rejecting an offer that was never made and accused PBS of political irrelevance. Speaking to the media after the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo 2025 here on Saturday (June 28), Bangkuai added that political maturity requires consistency, not flip-flopping positions or stirring unnecessary disputes. 'We trust the rakyat to discern who is genuine and who is acting out of political desperation. Sabahans are not easily swayed by rhetoric. They will evaluate our track record and intentions,' he said. PBS Youth chief Datuk Christoper Mandut described Bung Moktar's remarks as 'defensive, bitter and riddled with contradictions'. He clarified that PBS never claimed to have received an official offer from Barisan but was simply stating its firm decision not to collaborate with the coalition ahead of the 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's called principle,' he said in a statement on Saturday (June 28). He stressed that PBS remains committed to its founding struggle of defending Sabah's rights and upholding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), while continuing to be a constructive partner in the GRS government. 'We have a solid political legacy. We do not need to bring others down to stay relevant,' he said. He also called for greater maturity in political discourse.
Daily Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Community-based tourism boosts Sabah's economy
Published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: KIULU: Community-Based Tourism (CoBT) is playing a key role in Sabah's economic growth, especially in rural areas like Kiulu, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He noted that CoBT contributed RM7 million to state revenue in 2024, up from RM6.7 million in 2023, with 18 active districts involved. "I want to see CoBT expanded further for its potential in boosting rural economies," he said at the Tuaran District-level Kaamatan Festival launch. Sabah recorded 923,709 tourist arrivals early this year — 26 percent of the 3.5 million target — with Hajiji confident the goal will be surpassed, mirroring last year's performance. He stressed the need for improved rural infrastructure to support tourism and agriculture, saying well-developed facilities attract both locals and tourists. Hajiji congratulated four CoBT associations that signed MoUs with four universities and a tourism group from Taiwan, highlighting future collaboration in knowledge transfer and community empowerment. He also announced the first-ever Community-Based Tourism Conference this June, co-organised by UNDP and Sabah Tourism Board. Separately, RM1.1 million was allocated for local development in Kiulu, including a new car park, road to Kampung Kitapol, and a gravity water supply project in Kampung Lopot. The Kiulu Community Hall was also renamed Dewan Masyarakat OKK Rampas. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
