GRS not easily ‘squeezed’ by Putrajaya, Joniston tells Warisan

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief dismisses claims that the coalition has been weak in negotiations over the state’s rights.

GRS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said not picking fights with the federal government has brought benefits to Sabah.

TUARAN:

 Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has used the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment wisely without being “squeezed” by the federal government, says its information chief Joniston Bangkuai.

Joniston said GRS, as a local party, understands the aspirations of Sabahans and has never bowed to Putrajaya in negotiations over state rights, as alleged by the opposition.

In an interview with FMT, he highlighted how GRS secured a RM600 million interim special grant for Sabah while the 40% revenue entitlement is being finalised, as well as the commercial collaboration agreement between Petronas and the state government, which has boosted the state’s oil and gas sector.

“During Warisan’s administration (from May 2018 to September 2020), they only received RM53.4 million, which they just accepted outright. But now GRS, supposedly being ‘squeezed’, has secured a special grant of RM600 million.

“If we were easily pressured, there is no way we could have secured such a large special grant,” the GRS candidate for the Kiulu state seat said in response to claims that the state government is easily influenced by the federal government.

Joniston Bangkuai said Kiulu, where he is contesting, has seen great progress since Hajiji Noor (centre) became the Sabah chief minister.

Joniston said GRS chairman Hajiji Noor secured various benefits for Sabah during his time leading the state, which adopted a prudent approach in issues such as the 40% revenue entitlement by helping Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim understand Sabah’s position on the matter.

He said Hajiji had contacted Anwar to request that the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruling affirming Sabah’s 40% entitlement to net federal revenue collected from the state was not appealed.

This was followed by discussions between Putrajaya and Sabah on the mechanism to implement the revenue entitlement.

“That is the best approach… not picking fights by using the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment. GRS is a local coalition, but instead of confrontation, it prefers consultation in a harmonious setting.

“But we do not bow down. Personally, I feel Warisan are the ones who bowed down as their administration did not succeed in securing the state’s rights,” he said.

Joniston also said that during Warisan’s tenure, the party failed to develop local areas such as Kiulu, which according to him had seen encouraging progress since GRS took over the state administration in September 2020.

“Two months after taking office, Hajiji helped Kiulu obtain the status of a sub-district, which eased the area’s administrative processes and development.

“Now, the construction of a vehicle bridge linking Kiulu town to Bayag is underway.

“Once completed, it will enhance Kiulu’s potential by opening new land across the Tuaran river,” he said, adding that there are also plans to develop a sports complex. - FMT