PBS confident of retaining Matunggong for GRS
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: Julitah posing for a photo with Dr Joachim and other leaders at the event. MATUNGGONG: Matunggong Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is confident of defending its constituency in the coming 17th state election, with party machinery and members remaining united and prepared for any eventuality. Matunggong PBS Division Chief Datuk Julita Majungki, who is also PBS Secretary-General cum Assistant Finance Minister I, expressed confidence that the party and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition can retain the seat if they remain united.
Advertisement 'Elections can happen anytime within the next three to four months. If we stay united and prepared, I believe we can maintain our victory,' she said in her policy speech at the PBS Matunggong PBS Division's 40th annual general meeting held at Dewan Terbuka Pekan Matunggong, recently. The meeting was officiated by PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. Julita said PBS's struggle remains relevant and based on its original principles. She said as a 40-year-old local party, PBS continues to champion the rights of Sabah's people and the state, particularly through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework. 'We must remember that the spirit of demanding MA63 rights, which was once seen as an act of defiance, has now become the main agenda of many parties, including those who once opposed this effort,' she said. She urged the public to be wise in their assessment and not be deceived by those who are eloquent speakers but have a record of betrayal. Julita regards GRS as the best platform for Sabahans, reflecting the State's political maturity in forming a local coalition that no longer depends entirely on external powers. She pointed out the State's economic achievements under GRS, with State revenue jumping to RM6.4 billion in 2023 compared to RM4.4 billion in 2021 - a 44-per cent increase resulting from policies implemented under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap. Key GRS initiatives include the SMJ Rumah Mesra Programme, Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (Syukur) and the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme, with 80 SMJ houses allocated to Matunggong. Under the Syukur scheme, RM300 monthly assistance has been distributed to selected families since early this year, while the Sabah People's Insurance Scheme offers protection to all Sabah MyKad holders for injuries and permanent disabilities due to accidents. Julita detailed PBS Matunggong's achievements based on five main pillars implemented since the 16th State Election, namely education, infrastructure, economy, socio-culture and inter-racial relations. She said a total of RM475,000 was allocated for student development through excellence incentives and school assistance. Three new kindergartens built in Kg. Panikuan, Tuid and Lotong, with air conditioning installed in three school halls. 'Two new longhouse blocks completed in Kg Toporoi, 60 SMJ houses handed over to residents with 20 more in progress. 'Over 200 village road and agricultural road construction and upgrade projects implemented since 2023 with more than RM43 million allocation through State and Federal government cooperation,' she said. Additional projects include construction of 10 shop units, Matunggong town community hall, and implementation of Indarason Pata-Rondomon and Teringai road projects by the Public Works Department. A total of 281 land grants issued in 2022, while the 2,169.7-hectare Safoda land issue is being resolved through cooperation with LUC and related agencies. Julita dismissed allegations that she sold Safoda land as cheap slander, saying that resolution is ongoing for the people's benefit. She also noted that the study to upgrade Matunggong sub-district to full district status has been completed, including the master plan for Matunggong town development. PBS Matunggong has also helped build and repair non-Islamic places of worship through Adun allocations and special State Government provisions. She expressed appreciation for Dr Joachim's attendance despite his busy schedule, describing his presence as great moral support for grassroots party members. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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