Kota Kinabalu: It makes no political sense for PBS or Star to detach themselves from a coalition that already reflects the aspirations of Sabahans.
That was the clear message from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who dismissed speculation about the two parties distancing themselves from the Sabah-based GRS.
“Why abandon something that you helped build, only to align with others that are similar in form but not necessarily in vision or mission?” said Joniston, who is also PBS Information Chief and Kiulu Assemblyman
He was responding to a recent Free Malaysia Today article quoting political observers who opined that PBS and Star would be “better in than out” of GRS,
He emphasised that both PBS and Star had been consistent in their commitment to the coalition and working together through joint strategic planning, leveraging their existing influence to strengthen GRS and stay focused on Sabah’s progress.
Joniston said the speculation implied in the framing of the analysts’ views likely stemmed from general political curiosity as the state inches closer to an election.
“It’s normal for such questions to surface, but the reality is, there’s no internal push for separation. In fact, we’re doubling down on cooperation,” he said.
He stressed that it would be politically counterproductive for any component party to break away from GRS, questioning the logic of aligning with others that merely mirror the coalition in structure.
He said the focus now should be on ensuring that GRS, including its founding parties like PBS and STAR, can address pressing issues such as rural infrastructure, economic empowerment, and youth development, areas where all parties in the coalition are actively contributing.
“The idea that PBS or Star would abandon that progress just doesn’t hold water. If anything, we are moving forward with greater determination to deliver results under GRS.
“With the political landscape heating up ahead of the state election, people will always speculate. The priority now is to consolidate GRS’s message, ensure continuity in our policies, and prove that we deserve the people’s trust for another mandate,” added Joniston.
