Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai strongly refuted claims that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) plan to contest independently in the coming state election.
Joniston said both PBS and Star remain firmly committed to the GRS local coalition, working together as a united front in the upcoming electoral battle.
“It is a desperate attempt by certain irresponsible quarters hell-bent on breaking GRS because of the increasing support for local parties to continue leading the state government,” he said.
These allegations came about following a viral post and video showing doctored news clippings claiming, among other things, that PBS and Star were planning to go solo.
“Irresponsible parties have edited the headlines in a pathetic and desperate attempt to paint a false narrative,” Joniston said.
He described the allegations as the opposition’s strategic move with an ulterior motive to create discord among the GRS component parties.
“It is in the open that certain parties have, of late, gone overdrive to spread untruths, baseless claims, and allegations against the GRS and the GRS-PH Plus led government,” he added.
CM Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS Chairman, has maintained regular meetings with leaders of the coalition’s component parties, which Joniston cited as evidence of their cordial relationship.
“It is common for parties to express interest in contesting as many seats as possible, which at the end of the day is a matter to be deliberated and decided upon when the time comes,” added Joniston, who is also PBS information chief.
“It must also be noted that ensuring a big win for GRS is among the key objectives of the memorandum of understanding formalised by PBS and Star.
“Our focus is on delivering good governance and development for the people of Sabah, and we will not be distracted by these unfounded allegations,” he affirmed.
Joniston called on supporters and the public to disregard the misinformation and continue backing the GRS coalition as it strives to uphold the interests and aspirations of the Sabahan people.
