Latest news with #Federal-State
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
No reason for PBS to leave GRS: Veep
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ruslan described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam rejected speculation that PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Air Ku (Star) might leave Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) ahead of the coming state election. The Lumadan Assemblyman said there is no reason for such action, as PBS and Star would remain in the coalition following their long-standing agreement. Advertisement He described the claims as mere speculation deliberately stirred by irresponsible parties to create division and weaken GRS' political strength. 'Our understanding within GRS has been established for a long time, especially as we work together in the State Government administration, bringing various initiatives for the people that have made the opposition feel threatened. Therefore, these claims are just rumours as we approach the 17th state election and there are certainly attempts to weaken GRS' strength,' he said after officiating the Lumadan PBS Division Youth Leadership Camp on Saturday. Ruslan was responding to speculation about grassroots pressure for PBS and Star to leave GRS to ensure local party aspirations are realised following concerns that GRS' potential cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) could affect seats both parties wish to contest. When asked whether GRS should go solo or cooperate with PH in the state election, Ruslan personally believes the current political scenario suggests GRS should contest alone. However, he acknowledged that cooperation with PH is also important to maintain Federal-State government relations for the people's benefit. He noted that PH prefers GRS, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to continue leading the State Government rather than Umno, as demonstrated during the previous Langkah Kinabalu episode. 'Looking at the scenario, it would be good for us to contest solo, but cooperation between Federal and State governments is also very important and beneficial. 'We cannot just throw away PH after they supported us during the previous coup attempt, especially when PH and Umno cooperate at the Federal level. However, this is my personal opinion, and we leave it entirely to GRS leadership to make whatever decisions,' he said. For the record, PBS currently holds seven seats, namely Tandek, Matunggong, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Lumadan, Kundasang and Telupid, while Star holds six seats, namely Paginatan, Tambunan, Sook, Bingkor, Tulid and Liawan. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Federal projects in Sabah must follow set schedule
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: 'I am satisfied with the cooperation shown by all parties involved in this intervention committee,' Ewon said. KOTA BELUD: Development projects in Sabah funded by the Federal Government must be implemented according to the set schedule. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said this is to ensure that all projects in the pre-implementation phase are initiated by the respective committees involved. Ewon, who serves as co-chairman of the Federal-State Sabah Development Project Monitoring Coordination Intervention Committee together with Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, said the committee is tasked with ensuring that all projects in the pre-implementation category can be initiated. 'Once the projects are handed over to the implementing agencies and contractors, monitoring will continue through other platforms such as the Development Action Committee Meetings,' he said after officiating the Kaamatan Festival celebration and the opening of the Kampung Podos open hall, here. Ewon was commenting on the latest developments in the meeting of the Federal-State Sabah Development Programme and Project Monitoring Coordination Intervention Committee. He said the Special Intervention Meetings, which began earlier this year, have shown positive results. 'Many technical and administrative issues have been resolved more quickly through direct engagement between implementing agencies, ministries and the State Government,' he said. Based on the report presented at the Sabah Federal-State Development Project Monitoring Coordination Meeting last May, the number of projects in pre-implementation status has been reduced from 207 projects to 137 projects. Ewon described the decline as a positive development resulting from collaboration among various parties. 'We have proposed several steps to the technical departments and project-owning ministries to ensure that emerging issues are discussed and resolved promptly. I also hope that the percentage of projects that have commenced will continue to increase at the upcoming meetings,' he said. He expressed appreciation to all ministries, the State Government and the technical departments that have successfully expedited the processes of procurement, contractor appointments and tenders for previously uninitiated projects. 'I am satisfied with the cooperation shown by all parties involved in this intervention committee,' he said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah led by a Sabah party not hindrance to strong Federal-State relations
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: 'The Prime Minister and the Sarawak Premier meet regularly. This shows that political independence at the State level is not a hindrance, but in fact, a strength,' Joniston stressed. KIULU: A State Government helmed by local parties is not a barrier to strong Federal-State relations, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Citing Sarawak as an example, Joniston, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief, pointed out that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a coalition of local parties, continues to maintain cordial and constructive ties with the federal government despite governing the state independently. Speaking at the presentation of appointment letters to Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen here Wednesday, Joniston said this model proves that GRS contesting solo in the coming State election is both viable and principled. 'Even now, with GRS leading the State Government, its working relationship with the Federal administration has delivered tangible results. So, there should be no issue if GRS decides to contest solo. It is a move that aligns with the people's aspirations, to see Sabah led by a locally grounded coalition while maintaining cohesive ties with Putrajaya,' he said. Drawing further comparisons to the Sarawak experience, Joniston said GRS can and should emulate GPS's approach of governing independently while maintaining stable and mature Federal cooperation. 'We can look to Sarawak. Although PH is in opposition there, and BN holds no presence, GPS continues to work constructively with Putrajaya as part of the Federal Government. 'The Prime Minister and the Sarawak Premier meet regularly. This shows that political independence at the State level is not a hindrance, but in fact, a strength,' he stressed. The GRS coalition is firming up its position ahead of the upcoming state election, following recent political manoeuvrings involving Sabah PH and BN. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS Chairman, had indicated that GRS may contest independently after PH and BN jointly announced their plan to cooperate in the Sabah election. However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has since called for collaboration among PH, BN and GRS to ensure political stability and national progress. GRS has maintained a working relationship with PH at the State level, following the coalition's support for Hajiji during the political crisis in January 2023 when Umno and Warisan attempted to unseat him. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah PH welcomes electoral cooperation for political stability
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PH is open to unity talks with like-minded parties to strengthen political cooperation and develop Malaysia, its leaders said in a joint statement on Friday. The statement stressed that Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) are key pillars of the Federal Government alongside GPS, GRS, and other parties, and see merit in working together during elections. Sabah PH reiterated its commitment to preserving political stability, fostering strong Federal-State ties, and upholding the aspirations behind the formation of Malaysia. It said that cooperations should be guided by policies that prioritise the people's welfare and Sabah's development. The joint statement was signed by Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, and Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
