Latest news with #Murut
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
PBS concurs with Hajiji's GRS-Pakatan pact, insists on GRS dominance
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), the second-largest partner in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has agreed with Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's decision to forge an electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan. "PBS also concurs with GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's statement that GRS would be working with Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming Sabah election," said party secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki in a statement on Wednesday (July 30). She reiterated PBS' stance that the cooperation should be based on GRS being the dominant partner in the electoral pact. This aligns with discussions and decisions made in meetings between the GRS chairman and the presidents of component parties, including PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Majungki said. The statement clarifies PBS' position following Hajiji's announcement that GRS agreed to an electoral pact with Pakatan during the sidelines of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual meeting on Sunday (July 27). Some GRS leaders were surprised by the announcement as the final decision had not yet been made by the GRS supreme council. Majungki explained that Dr Gunsalam could not attend the Gagasan Rakyat annual general meeting due to another commitment. She noted that Dr Gunsalam was in Beaufort to officiate the simultaneous opening of five PBS divisions' annual general meetings. However, she highlighted that senior PBS leaders, including deputy presidents Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim and Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai, and herself, were present at the Gagasan Rakyat AGM opening. Apart from Gagasan Rakyat and PBS, other parties in the local party coalition include Sabah STAR led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) led by former chief minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, and Parti Usno led by former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia. Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) under Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) led by former foreign minister Tan Sri Anifah Amin, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Datuk Chin Su Phin are also part of the coalition. Gagasan Rakyat, with 26 seats in the current assembly, is the anchor partner of the coalition, while the two non-Muslim native base parties PBS and Sabah STAR hold 13 seats between them. SAPP and Harapan Rakyat hold a seat each, with other components having no elected or nominated assemblymen in the current assembly. SAPP president Yong, whose party prefers GRS to go solo, stated that GRS had not met to endorse any decision for the pact with Pakatan. PBS and Sabah STAR are working on a unity platform under GRS to contest most of the 25 ethnic Kadazandusun, Murut, and Rungus seats in the coming election. Both parties were pushing for GRS to go solo but were agreeable to minimal seats for Pakatan.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Queen opens inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 in Labuan
LABUAN: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, officially opened the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex today. The event, themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', highlighted the region's rich floral and cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions. The festival began with a lively showcase of traditional dances, including the Magunatip, a rhythmic bamboo dance performed by the Murut community of Sabah. The cultural performances set a festive tone, drawing visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. Accompanied by dignitaries such as the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Sarawak Governor's wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Her Majesty toured intricately designed gardens crafted by government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. These exhibits celebrated Borneo's biodiversity and cultural landscapes. A special moment occurred when Her Majesty was presented with a rare black orchid from Sabah, symbolising the region's unique botanical treasures. The festival, organised by the Department of Federal Territories (JWP), aims to boost Labuan's eco-tourism and socio-economic growth. Thousands of native and exotic floral species, including rare orchids and pitcher plants, were displayed, attracting gardening enthusiasts and families. Tomorrow, Her Majesty will officiate the opening of the new Labuan Handicraft Gallery, further promoting local artisans. The Borneo Flora Festival 2025 is set to become an annual highlight, reinforcing Labuan's transformation into a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Queen Graces Inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025
LABUAN, July 26 (Bernama) -- Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today graced the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival 2025 at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex, marking a historic celebration of Borneo's vibrant floral and cultural diversity. Themed 'Borneo Tropical Flora', the highly anticipated event came alive with a dazzling showcase of traditional Borneo performances, including the iconic Magunatip, a rhythmic bamboo dance performed by the Murut community of Sabah. The cultural extravaganza set a lively and colourful tone as the festival opened its doors to visitors from across Malaysia and beyond. Her Majesty, who arrived in Labuan earlier today for a two-day official visit, was warmly welcomed by an array of dignitaries including the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Sarawak Governor's wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Puan Sri Maheran Jamil, wife of the Chief Secretary to the Government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif. During the visit, Her Majesty took a tour of the intricately crafted themed gardens, each uniquely designed by participating government agencies, local communities, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The gardens showcased not only creativity but also deep-rooted appreciation for Borneo's biodiversity and cultural landscapes. In a special moment during the event, Her Majesty was presented with a rare black orchid from Sabah as a souvenir, symbolising the rich and unique botanical treasures of Borneo. The Borneo Flora Festival 2025, the first of its kind, was initiated under the Federal Government's effort through the Department of Federal Territories (JWP) and its agencies, with the vision of catalysing socio-economic growth and positioning Labuan as a regional eco-tourism and cultural destination. Thousands of native and exotic floral species, including rare orchids, pitcher plants, and tropical blooms from Labuan, Sabah, Sarawak, and other parts of Malaysia, were on display, attracting gardening enthusiasts, photographers, and families alike.
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fredian Gan poised to lead Melalap under GRS banner
Fredian Gan TENOM (July 23): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), a major component party of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has endorsed Datuk Fredian Gan as its candidate for the Melalap state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, citing his deep community roots and proven leadership as key assets for the constituency's future. Fredian, a native of Melalap with strong connections to the Chinese and Murut communities, is widely seen as a unifying figure who can bridge ethnic divides and spearhead development initiatives long awaited by Melalap residents. Coming from a family respected in the region, Fredian's late father was a pioneering tailor and businessman who served as chairman of the Tenom Chinese Chamber of Commerce and also held leadership roles in local schools such as Chung Hwa Primary and Tenom Tshung Tsin Secondary School. On his maternal side, he is the great-grandson of the late Datuk Sanggau Jalang, who was appointed as the first Native Chief of the Murut Timugon group by the British colonial administration. The Sanggau family remains one of the most influential clans in Melalap, enhancing Fredian's unique position as a cultural bridge. Fredian's siblings remain actively involved in a variety of business activities within the district, including running a restaurant, sundry shop, beauty and hair salon, as well as ventures in plantations, transport and contracting. This strong family presence in local commerce further anchors Fredian's deep ties to the community. Fredian brings with him decades of experience across both public and private sectors. Beginning his career at Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) and Standard Chartered Bank, he later transitioned to Sabah's civil service, where he held key roles including Assistant District Officer, District Officer, Deputy Permanent Secretary, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB). He retired as the Deputy State Secretary (Development). Currently, he is the Group CEO of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, where he is credited with leading growth and innovation. PBS highlighted several reasons why Fredian is their top choice to contest Melalap: Born and bred in Melalap, with a deep understanding of local challenges. Decades of leadership experience in government and corporate sectors. Respected across ethnic lines by community leaders and grassroots. A long-time advocate for development in Melalap, even before entering politics. His candidacy is driven by a sense of duty rather than political ambition. Represents a symbol of unity between Murut and Chinese communities. Seen as a key figure to help GRS consolidate support in the interior.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
PBS, Sabah STAR grassroots set to gather in show of unity
KOTA KINABALU: Two of Sabah's major native-based non-Muslim parties under the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are set to hold a major gathering Saturday (July 12) in a move to strengthen their unity ahead of the state election. The state's oldest registered party, Parti Bersatu Sabah, and Sabah STAR are targeting to work on a unified front within the GRS coalition to contest most of the 23 to 25 native Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus majority seats. The major gathering of the two parties comes after over a year of discussions on working together to unify their grassroots support and even discuss merger following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on April 18, 2024. Though the talks for merging the two parties have now been left on the backburner, Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam have been steering towards agreeing for the parties to share unified stand ensuring there was no splits in the votes in their native strongholds. In the 2020 snap state election, candidates from PBS and Sabah STAR clashed in certain seats going against the allocation agreed by the then coalition partners - Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and PBS under the yet to be registered GRS banner. Sources from both parties indicate that they were looking at contesting at least 10 seats each under the GRS coalition while leaving out non-Muslim seats held by their partner Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat). GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that over 5,000 delegates from both parties are expected to attend the convention aimed at strengthening cooperation to secure GRS's success at the polls. UiTM Sabah political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang said the convention serves as a critical groundwork-laying effort that could significantly shape GRS' competitiveness and cohesion. "It also is reinforcing and renewing people's trust especially among the Kadazandusuns," he added. Leaders from both PBS and Sabah STAR are confident that if the grassroots remain intact and supportive of each other's candidates, the two parties could secure most of the native non-Muslim seats straddling from the state's interior, northern and west coast. However, political analysts said the relations could become testy if Sabah STAR changes its position as it watches closely the GRS led by Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor's seat sharing formula with Sabah Pakatan Harapan. Kitingan, who is pro-local party, has remained restive over the possible GRS-Pakatan electoral pact while Dr Gunsalam has repeatedly maintained that the party will remain within the GRS coalition. A senior Sabah STAR leader, who declined to be named, said since talks have been initiated between the two parties, there has been good progress at the grassroots levels for them to work together. At least five divisions had already put together joint working committees with other divisions still working on it. "We hope that whatever decisions are made even if it may involve reviewing our position in GRS, Sabah STAR and PBS must have a common stand, otherwise the unity efforts will not be of any use," the Sabah STAR leader said. Apart from PBS and Sabah STAR, native Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus seats are now being held by Gagasan Rakyat and GRS's coalition partner Sabah Pakatan as well opposition Parti Warisan and Parti KDM. Electoral pacts in Sabah remain fluid with coalitions or individual parties making any clear commitments until after Hajiji calls for the dissolution of the assembly anytime before Nov 11.
