Joniston presenting ICT equipment to Kg Nuluhon Baru JKKK Chairman and local STAR leader Lodimon Balantis, who received it on behalf of St Nerry Roman Catholic Church.
KIULU: The long-held aspiration for local political parties to lead Sabah’s administration has become a reality under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government, said GRS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said GRS, as a coalition of local-based parties, remains the most suitable platform to unite Sabahans and steer the state forward while continuing to safeguard Sabah’s rights and interests.
“The people have long wanted to see local parties taking charge of Sabah’s direction, and that is now a reality under GRS,” said Joniston during the handover ceremony of ICT equipment to Catholic churches in Mantob here today.
Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief and Kiulu Assemblyman, said the growing sentiment among Sabahans clearly shows their desire for the state to be led by strong and united local parties.
He noted that when Pakatan Harapan (PH) decided to support Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, it reflected their recognition of the people’s wishes for local parties to continue leading Sabah.
“This was different from Warisan and PKDM, who backed Umno to take charge of the State Government… that’s the clear difference,” he said, referring to the failed attempt, dubbed Langkah Kinabalu, to topple the Hajiji-led administration in January 2023.
Joniston said GRS continues to stay relevant as a coalition that upholds constructive cooperation and mutual respect among its component parties.
“In politics, differences will always exist. What matters is how we manage them with respect, patience, and with the people’s welfare in mind,” he added.
He said unity among Sabah leaders enables better coordination in tackling key development issues such as rural infrastructure, economic opportunities, and community wellbeing.
At the event, Joniston presented laptops and projectors to four Catholic churches as part of GRS’s effort to enhance community digital access.
He said the GRS Government continues to care for all segments of society, including mission schools, Chinese private schools, and non-Muslim religious bodies.
“This year alone, RM70 million has been allocated for these institutions, and RM90 million is set for next year — the highest amount ever — demonstrating the GRS Plus Government’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness,” he said.
