Latest news with #LangkahKinabalu
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS-PH alliance built on stability, not corruption fears - Norazlinah
Norazlinah KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Kunak assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif has dismissed as baseless and malicious the claim by Kota Belud member of parliament Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) allied with Pakatan Harapan (PH) because it was 'forced to' due to corruption scandals. She described the allegation that GRS continued its collaboration with PH merely to shield leaders involved in court cases as a desperate attempt by the opposition to gain political mileage by sowing distrust among the people. 'I strongly refute Munirah's statement linking the GRS-PH cooperation to alleged corruption cases. Such accusations are not only irresponsible but also an insult to the political maturity of the GRS leadership, especially Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor,' she said in a statement today. Norazlinah stressed that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH was not formed under duress, but built on solidarity, mutual trust, and the need to ensure continued political stability in Sabah. 'We cannot deny PH's role in standing firmly behind the state government during the attempted power grab known as the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident. Without their support and trust at that time, the GRS government might have fallen,' she said. 'This is not about any 'cases' or being 'forced'. It is about acknowledging their contribution and protecting the state's stability.' She described the GRS-PH collaboration as a manifestation of mature politics and gratitude — qualities she said were lacking in Parti Warisan, which had previously allied with PH during the 2020 state election but chose to contest alone in the 15th General Election (GE15). 'What happened in GE15 clearly shows that the people do not support opportunistic politics. Warisan only won three parliamentary seats, which is a clear signal that the people reject a party that fails to build alliances and focuses solely on its own agenda,' she added. Addressing the two GRS assemblymen currently facing court cases related to mineral license applications, Norazlinah urged all parties not to politicise the issue. 'Court cases should not be used as tools for slander or to create false perceptions. Every accused person has the right to defend themselves, and we must respect the legal process. GRS has never obstructed or interfered with judicial matters,' she said. She expressed confidence that the GRS-PH cooperation would continue to benefit the people of Sabah and play a vital role in the upcoming state election, adding that GRS would remain the leading force in championing the 'Sabah First' agenda. 'We are confident that GRS will continue to lead the state government. We do not just want to win — we want to ensure the ongoing fight to uphold Sabah's rights within the Federation continues through a stronger and more inclusive platform,' she said. Norazlinah also criticised Isnaraissah's claim that the Federal Government is reluctant to work with Warisan because its president is 'too outspoken' in defending Sabah's rights, calling it mere political rhetoric. 'If being outspoken alone is the key to developing Sabah, why did the Warisan government collapse? What we need are leaders who not only speak up but deliver results, build strategic partnerships and ensure stability. That is exactly what Hajiji and the GRS leadership have done,' she said. She urged the public not to be influenced by narrow political rhetoric but to judge a government by its ability to safeguard the people's welfare and secure Sabah's future. 'The GRS-PH cooperation is not about saving any individual, but about ensuring that Sabah does not return to instability. Now is the time to keep moving forward with a spirit of nationhood, not hatred,' she added. Norazlinah also pointed out the irony in Warisan's criticism, as the party remains part of the federal Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'If Warisan truly rejects working with PH, why are they still in the same government in Putrajaya? Or are they actually worried that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH in Sabah will become a political reality that threatens their position ahead of the next state election?' she asked.
Daily Express
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Long-awaited truth will soon emerge
Published on: Sunday, July 06, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: SO, finally after more than half-a-year since the so-called Sabah Mining Scandal videos first surfaced – and after months of speculations and gossips – three people were charged in the Court in Kota Kinabalu on the last day of June and just as Sabahans prepared to begin the 2nd half of 2025. The social media have been having a field day since. Advertisement The trio comprised two State Assemblymen and a Selangor-based businessman, Tei Jiann Cheing, also known as Albert Tei. The duo were Assistant Minister cum Tanjung Batu Assemblyman Datuk Andi Suryady and Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob. Andi is also Kalabakan MP while Yusof is Chairman of Qhazanah Sabah, a State-owned GLC. All three pleaded not guilty. The Press and social media have wrongly described Andi as a GRS Assemblyman. He actually is from Umno although he has been suspended. He won both his State and MP seats on a BN (Umno) ticket in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Yusof won the Sindumin seat on a Warisan ticket in 2018 and 2020. He even became a Minister in the Shafie Cabinet. He was thought to have applied to join Umno after Warisan lost the 2020 State election. But when he pledged to support CM Hajiji Noor during the failed coup dubbed Langkah Kinabalu in early 2023, Umno clarified that Yusof's application to join the party was not yet approved. Speaking to the Press after posting his bail, Albert asked why only two Assemblyman whom he described as 'Ikan Bilis' were charged when he supposedly exposed 10 (including the Assembly Speaker). Well, it is up to MACC and not Albert or who and when they want to charge. They do not need your permission or concurrence. How do you know when and who else they want to charge, if any? Albert also said should anything happen to him including his sudden disappearance, look for the 10. By the same token or going by his logic, can it also be asked that should anything happen to the 10 Assemblymen, police should look for him? Albert also mentioned the Chief Minister's name while talking to reporters. Hajiji's Special Officer has lodged a police report against Albert. He also hinted that MACC was biased, something which may be subjudice as the matter is now in the courts. Hajiji has said from day one late last year that he would leave it to MACC to investigate and that the GRS government would give its fullest cooperation. He himself even voluntarily gave a statement to MACC. Star president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said recently that there might be a hidden hand in all this as his name also suddenly cropped up although he already had his statement taken when the so-called scandal first surface months ago. Veteran Malaysian journalist Datuk Philip Golingai said late last year that a certain retired senior civil servant with the title of Tan Sri could be the mastermind given the hi-tech used to secretly record the videos. About the same time that the two assemblymen were charged, PKR Sabah Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the scandal, if true, could change the State's political landscape, adding that his party was on 'standby for any eventuality.' This is certainly not the kind of statement one would expect from the leader of a coalition partner of the State's ruling GRS+. This kind of statement sounds more like from an enemy or an opportunist or, as the Malays would say, 'Musuh Dalam Selimut'. Mustpha should not forget that PKR was in the Opposition in Sabah before Hajiji offered the party a Minister and an Assistant Minister post in early 2023. As they say, man's memory is short. He should also not forget that PKR is supposed to be GRS' partner in the coming election. Even PM and PKR president Anwar never made that kind of statement against GRS and twice defended Hajiji. If Mustapha thinks that Hajiji is someone who can be 'gertak', he can try. Hajiji was not born yesterday. He has been a YB since 1990, Mustapha only since late 2022. I don't know how old Mustapha was or what he was doing in 1990. I don't know why Albert Tei mentioned Hajiji as the CM was never charged by MACC. In fact months ago Sabah MACC already cleared Hajiji. Albert must have been disappointed. To me, Hajiji is one of the best, if not the best, CM Sabahans have seen. He never uttered a four-letter word in the State Assembly as a Sabah MP infamously did in Parliament. He never uttered offensive words against women as one Sabah MP did in Parliament. He never challenged a fellow lawmaker in the Assembly to a fist fight outside as a Sabah MP did. If Sabahans want that MP to be their next CM, then God helps Sabah, just like the British national anthem God Save the Queen (now King). A Sabah DAP leader also threatened to review his party's position in the GRS+ government soon after the video scandal broke out. Review lah. Nobody is going to stop you. But make sure your party secretary general agrees with you. As GRS deputy secretary-general cum Federal Minister Datuk Armijan Ali rightly pointed out, GRS never resorted to mentioning the many cases faced by Malaysian politicians, be them in the opposition or the government, including the present Madani government. By not mentioning any name, Armijan was just being polite and diplomatic. Mustapha should not forget that the many politicians referred to by Armijan include thoses in the Madani Government which includes PKR. Mustapha should not forget that a very senior PKR leader went to jail not once but twice. As people say, look at yourself in the mirror before you criticize others. A Malay proverb says Don't simply spit towards the sky as your saliva may fall on your face. PGRS Information Chief Datuk Nizam AB Titingan also asked Mustapha to look into the mirror. Mustapha should not forget that former Umno president and former PM 'Bossku' Najib is still in jail. He should not forget that BN/Umno was already rejected by Malaysians and Sabahans in 2018. Mustapha should not forget that Najib's successor as Umno president also faced court cases. He was never found guilty by the courts. His representation to the AG was accepted. That's all, and it was questioned by legal circles. Mustapha should not forget that a senior Sabah Umno leader is also facing corrupt charges in court and has been asked by the courts to defend himself. The Chinese press described someone who has been asked to defend himself as 'primarily guilty'. And yet we never heard of Mustapha saying that PKR will review its cooperation with Umno. Neither have we heard DAP wanting to review its relationship with Umno. In fact, Umno's slogan just before the 2022 election was 'No DAP, No Anwar'. Now swallowing their own pride? Being charged in court does not necessarily mean one is guilty. One is innocent unless proven guilty, as Armizan pointed out. A former Sabah Chief Minister was held by MACC for about a week a few years ago. He was brought to court by MACC wearing the Orange T-Shirt and it was widely publicized including on TV. Does this mean he was guilty? In conclusion, I would like to quote the heading of Daily Express' front page on Wednesday: 'Never jump to conclusions'. The Bible says Judge Not So You Won't Be Judged. Amen. I would also like to quote Thursday's DE frontpage headline which says Sabah's Financial Position Solid. It says that Sabah recorded one of the highest State revenues in Malaysia in 2023, reaching RM1.6 billion. Need I say more? I would also like to quotes Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman's recent statement that Sabah attracted the 3rd highest investments of RM10.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025 alone, after Selangor and FT of KL. Out of the amount, RM6.6 billion is from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) while RM4.29 billion is from Domestic Direct Investments (DDI). Anifah is the Chief Minister's Advisor on Foreign Relations and Investment. He is also Chairman of Invest Sabah. Lastly, all this threat by PKR and DAP, go ahead. No one will stop you. Don't forget, almost half of the coalition partners in GRS prefer that the coalition go it alone in the coming election. If you push GRS to the wall, what do you expect oh? If GRS goes it alone, Tan Sri Pandikar, Dr Jeffrey and Yong Teck Lee will be most happy. So don't behave as if GRS cannot do without you. Hajiji is just being polite when he repeatedly said GRS will work with PKR as it is the PM's party. He was just being diplomatic. Even some of the PGRS' own Divisions have publicly stated their preference for GRS to go it alone. So don't count your chicken before they hatch. In 1985, the well-equipped and well-funded BN leaders from Kuala Lumpur campaigned for Berjaya in full force. The result? Berjaya lost, despite Dr M's 'Swim or Sink with Berjaya' statement while campaigning at the KK padang just days before polling. Next day of course all the local papers put it on their front pages with banner headlines. One Berjaya leader at that time even proudly proclaimed No Need to Campaign Anymore. The BN especially Umno leaders who campaigned for Berjaya in 1985 were unpopular with Sabahans, describing them as 'Orang Malaya'. But after the election, only BN 'Swim' while Berjaya 'Sank' as PBS which defeated Berjaya was accepted into BN. The 'Unseen Hand' should understand that if it bullies Sabahans too much, there may be a repeat of 1985 whereby Sabahans will stand solidly behind GRS. 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga'. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. 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Daily Express
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
No reason for PBS to leave GRS: Veep
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ruslan described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam rejected speculation that PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Air Ku (Star) might leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the coming state election. The Lumadan Assemblyman said there is no reason for such action, as PBS and Star would remain in the coalition following their long-standing agreement. Advertisement He described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. 'Our understanding within GRS has been established for a long time, especially as we work together in the State Government administration, bringing various initiatives for the people that have made the opposition feel threatened. Therefore, these claims are just rumours as we approach the 17th state election and there are certainly attempts to weaken GRS' strength,' he said after officiating the Lumadan PBS Division Youth Leadership Camp on Saturday. Ruslan was responding to speculation about grassroots pressure for PBS and Star to leave GRS to ensure local party aspirations are realised following concerns that GRS' potential cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could affect seats both parties wish to contest. When asked whether GRS should go solo or cooperate with PH in the state election, Ruslan personally believes the current political scenario suggests GRS should contest alone. However, he acknowledged that cooperation with PH is also important to maintain Federal-State government relations for the people's benefit. He noted that PH prefers GRS, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to continue leading the State Government rather than Umno, as demonstrated during the previous Langkah Kinabalu episode. 'Looking at the scenario, it would be good for us to contest solo, but cooperation between Federal and State governments is also very important and beneficial. 'We cannot just throw away PH after they supported us during the previous coup attempt, especially when PH and Umno cooperate at the Federal level. However, this is my personal opinion, and we leave it entirely to GRS leadership to make whatever decisions,' he said. For the record, PBS currently holds seven seats, namely Tandek, Matunggong, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Lumadan, Kundasang and Telupid, while Star holds six seats, namely Paginatan, Tambunan, Sook, Bingkor, Tulid and Liawan. * 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
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS should challenge BN in Sabah polls, says Armizan
Armizan KOTA KINABALU (June 14): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has called for the coalition to face off against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming state election. The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said a direct contest would allow voters to decide who should govern Sabah, aligning with Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's preference for BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) to compete without GRS. 'Everyone must respect Bung Moktar's stance. No one should dismiss his autonomy as Sabah Umno chief,' Armizan said in a statement on Saturday. 'A direct contest will end accusations that a party's victory was due to another's support rather than its own strength.' On June 2, Bung had ruled out pre-election cooperation with GRS, citing past tensions. However, Armizan clarified that his view was personal and not an official GRS position. He stressed that GRS remains open to collaboration with PH and other parties that form the state government, praising PH for rejecting the 'Langkah Kinabalu' move and backing Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister. 'Today's government functions well under the current partnership, but grassroots GRS supporters want to compete against BN,' he said. Armizan added that being part of the federal Unity Government should not prevent state-level contests, noting that past elections in Sabah, Melaka and Johor saw similar clashes among federal allies. 'The Unity Government's MoU doesn't mandate state-level cooperation. State polls are about choosing a state government, not the federal administration,' he said.
Borneo Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Umno told to look in mirror before accusing others of betrayal
Nizam KOTA KINABALU (June 4): If one wishes to speak of dignity and betrayal, Umno should first take a hard look at its own history, said Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. The Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister said that he read with interest the statement by the Umno Kota Kinabalu Division chief and Umno Women's Exco member, Musliati Moslimin, who claimed that Umno is not a 'political tool,' not a 'script filler,' and not a 'buyer of false promises.' 'Ironically, this statement comes from a party with a long history of scripting flawed political narratives, including in Sabah,' said Nizam, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief. 'The reality is, during the 2020 Sabah state election (PRN), history clearly records who broke agreements and moral principles. Just two days before nomination day, Umno and Barisan Nasional had agreed to contest 27 seats. Yet, when the time came, they contested 41 seats — a move that not only violated mutual understanding but also created confusion and early fractures within the coalition,' he reminded. Nizam also said that Umno also still refuses to accept the fact that in a coalition of political parties, the party with the highest number of seats holds the priority to lead. 'The GRS coalition, which Musliati dismisses as 'splinter parties,' won the highest number of seats and thus rightfully held the prerogative to choose the Chief Minister of Sabah. This is not betrayal — it is the foundation of true democracy.' More surprising is that Musliati makes no mention of the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident in January 2023, in which several Umno leaders, including Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, were involved in an attempt to topple the existing government, he said. He added that the actions of Bung Moktar and several Umno leaders not only threatened state stability but gambled with the people's mandate. 'Their removal from the Cabinet and positions in government agencies was the Chief Minister's prerogative, made in the interest of safeguarding the state's stability.' He said that Umno Sabah must also come to terms with the fact that they are no longer the 'big brother' of politics. 'Nationally, they continue to lose public support, and in Sabah, the people are tired of the same old script — just with different actors, but the same plot,' said Nizam. He also said that the GRS government today chooses to look forward, forging strategic cooperation with Pakatan Harapan to ensure post-GE15 stability and prepare for the upcoming Sabah state election. 'Ultimately, real power lies not in the hands of any individual, party, or propaganda — but in the hands of the people. Let the people of Sabah decide who is truly working for them, and who merely excels at political theatre.' Musliati has described the experience of working with GRS as a betrayal of the trust and sacrifices made by Umno-Barisan Nasional (BN) since the 2020 Sabah state election. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Musliati stressed that the state government formed after the 2020 polls was not the result of any one party's strength, but rather a coalition comprising several components, including Bersatu, PBS, STAR, and most importantly, Umno-BN. She asserted that Umno had not only contributed the highest number of seats to GRS at the time, but also provided vital election machinery, resources and grassroots support which formed the backbone of the coalition. 'Bersatu, at that time, was still in its infancy and relied heavily on the groundwork that Umno had established over the years. Yet silently, the hand extended in friendship was met with poison,' she said. Musliati also revealed that Umno had been sabotaged by independent candidates allegedly sponsored by certain quarters within GRS. Despite this, Umno still managed to secure 14 seats, more than Bersatu's 11. She went on to describe Umno's decision to give way to Datuk Seri Pangllima Hajiji Noor to become Chief Minister as a sacrifice made in the interest of state stability, even though Umno had a stronger claim to the post based on the number of seats won.
