Latest news with #Sabah-based
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Warisan legal advisor launches anti-corruption campaign, urges caning for offenders
Chin (third right) at the launching of the anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Sabah-based lawyer and Parti Warisan (Warisan) legal advisor Chin Tek Ming launched a bold anti-corruption campaign along Gaya Street on Sunday, calling on the government to introduce caning as an additional punishment for corruption. The launch featured effigies labeled with signs reading 'Severely Punish Corruption, Caning Awaits.' Members of the public were invited to symbolically cane the effigies representing corrupt individuals — a move that drew enthusiastic participation from onlookers. Chin reiterated his earlier call for amendments to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (Act 694), arguing that existing penalties of imprisonment and fines have failed to deter corruption, particularly among political leaders and civil servants. 'Corruption cases continue to surface unabated. Clearly, the current punishments are not enough,' he said. 'In China, punishment depends on the severity of the crime, and can even include the death penalty. Malaysia upholds human rights — so at the very least, caning should be introduced as a stern warning.' He was joined by former political secretary and aide to the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Pritchard Gumbaris, and Yong Tain Vui, all of whom voiced full support for harsher penalties including caning for corrupt officials. 'Corruption by politicians is worse than theft,' they said. 'It not only undermines the economy but also sends a dangerous message to future generations.' Describing the event as an 'awakening campaign,' they stressed the need to strengthen existing laws to tackle what they view as an escalating crisis in the state. In addition to the symbolic protest, Chin also offered free legal consultations to the public during the event.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bung to Armizan: Sabah BN won't wait for 'green light' from others
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to face Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming state election, stressing that it does not rely on "green lights" from others to make political decisions. Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition welcomed healthy democratic competition and would only engage in political cooperation based on sincerity and mutual respect. "We do not wait for signals from any party to determine our position or course of action. "More importantly, this issue must be viewed in the broader context of political legitimacy, strategic autonomy, and sincerity in cooperation. "BN is not against cooperation. But we do not want partnerships that merely serve to boost numbers or lend legitimacy to a fragile rule," said Bung, who is also the Sabah Umno liaison committee chairman, in a statement. The Lamag assemblyman was responding to a statement by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who said yesterday that the Sabah-based coalition should face BN in the coming state polls. The domestic trade and cost of living minister had said that a contest between the two coalitions would allow the people to decide who they wanted to govern the state. Bung added that if GRS was indeed ready to compete democratically, Sabah BN welcomed the challenge. "In a democracy, contests are not to be feared. "They present opportunities to determine who truly has the people's trust, based on real strength, not borrowed support or shortcuts." He stressed that Sabah BN would not shape its political direction based on the statements of others, and that past experience had made the coalition wary of entering political alliances lightly. "Cooperation without sincerity is like building a house on mud. It may stand briefly but will collapse under pressure. We have learned our lesson. "The people have also witnessed how alliances without sincerity result in weak, inconsistent, and unconvincing governments. "In politics, legitimacy is not defined by seat numbers alone, but by the people's trust in the sincerity of one's struggle."
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Sabah for Sabahans': State polls will test strength of local-first sentiment, say analysts
Sabah-based parties, including GRS and Warisan, are stepping up their push for greater autonomy, emphasising their grassroots focus ahead of the state's increasingly competitive election. — Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (June 13): As Sabah heads into its 17th state election (PRN17), political tensions are mounting, with signs pointing toward a contest that may pit state-based parties against the country's major national coalitions. The rallying cry 'Sabah for Sabahans' is gaining renewed momentum as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) — the ruling state coalition — weighs its next move amid shifting alliances and growing questions about federal influence in state affairs. Sabahan-first politics In recent years, Sabah-based parties — including GRS components Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), as well as opposition party Warisan — have increasingly positioned themselves as defenders of state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). GRS's key component party Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah is largely made up of Umno-turned-Bersatu leaders who left their former party for a more local platform. They argue that only homegrown parties truly understand the state's needs and aspirations — and are best placed to stand firm against federal dominance. Universiti Teknologi Mara's Tony Paridi Bagang said a contest between state-based and national parties would offer a clear campaign narrative — state rights versus federal funding and stability. 'GRS going solo will be interesting; it's a test of GRS as a government, and as a fully local alliance, and at the same time will see how local parties in national coalitions, like PBRS and Upko, what their influence will be like now,' he said. 'It's still a good way to see whether the growing local sentiments can translate into votes. 'Just contesting on their own is the start of a change in narrative for Sabah politics and if they win, it will be even more meaningful — they will gain a lot more leverage and have better bargaining power,' he added. Political analyst Bridget Welsh agreed that this local-first approach has merit, as the political current appears to favour a 'Sabah bloc' — though much will still depend on how alliances are configured. 'Anti-federal (especially anti-Umno) sentiments are currently strong,' she said. Coalition talks in limbo The local-first sentiment has also been further fuelled by Sarawak's recent success in securing greater control over its oil and gas resources. Many Sabahans have been asking: 'If Sarawak can do it, why not us?' Despite strong calls from within GRS's component parties to contest the election independently, Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor initially indicated keenness to continuing cooperation with current state government partner Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH). However, his position was shaken when Sabah PH announced an election partnership with Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) — its former allies turned opposition. The two national coalitions described the move as a rational step to ensure political stability and preserve good relations between state and federal governments. In response, Hajiji swiftly issued a statement saying GRS was ready to contest the election on its own if Sabah PH proceeded with the alliance. Prime Minister and PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim later responded by saying that GRS would be included in the election coalition. Since then, Hajiji has maintained that GRS remains open to discussions — but has stressed that a Sabah-based party must lead the state government. No formal talks have taken place between the two sides. One of the biggest obstacles in the way of this three-way alliance is Sabah BN chairman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, who has dismissed any possibility of working with GRS until after the election, citing past 'betrayals' and broken promises from the previous state election. Autonomy push may meet resistance Bagang said there could be risks if GRS chooses to go it alone, as the coalition may come under increased pressure. He noted that if GRS were to contest on its own, it might face heightened political pressure — including 'money politics' as well as the influence of 'media and political machinery'. He added that the recent whistleblowing scandal involving mining licences is likely to resurface and affect GRS and its leadership. The Madani factor Contrary to the view that GRS may go it alone, Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Lee Kuok Tiung said that GRS is more likely to work with PH and BN — despite its strained relationship with the latter. 'I believe GRS will want to maintain its current set-up with PH. The only problem is that they don't get along with BN but they will find a way or just head into a collision course in certain seats,' he said. 'GRS will have a lot to gain by contesting independently but the prime minister has something else in mind. 'He also has to maintain good relations with Zahid and both will still need a local partner at the end of the day and want to work with GRS,' he added. Bagang agreed that while many Sabahans were keen to see if the local-first sentiment was more than just a slogan, he said it would be 'safer' if the current dynamic is maintained. 'We need to consider the federal factor because our political dynamic is not like Sarawak, whose local coalition is strongly established,' he said. 'I think, with the undercurrent issues, sentiments, GRS may still stick with PH-BN but we'll see some overlapping in their seats,' he added. With the growing fragmentation among parties potentially leading to multi-cornered fights in many seats, split votes may give unexpected advantages to some blocs. Analysts predict that this could result in a hung assembly — or even a repeat of the chaotic post-election realignments that followed the 2020 polls. If the election becomes a contest between local versus national parties, the outcome could reshape Sabah's political landscape and redefine its federal-state relations. With the stakes so high, all eyes are now on the alliances, manifestos, and the voters' sentiments. — Malay Mail GRS hajiji noor lead Sabah for Sabahans
The Star
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
GRS keeping options open
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has not ruled out the possibility of political alliances in the coming state election – if there is a leadership change within Sabah Umno. However, GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun gave a noncommittal response when asked about the prospect, saying: 'Politics is a game that makes the impossible possible.' While the remark stopped short of confirming anything, he stressed that GRS is weighing a variety of scenarios, including possible friendly contests with other parties, depending on how the political landscape evolves. A final decision on whether to contest solo or collaborate is expected to be made at the GRS supreme council meeting, scheduled either at the end of this month or early July. Masidi, who is also state-owned oil and gas company SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd (SMJE) chairman, said no firm decision has been reached yet, but Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has already met with presidents of the Sabah-based coalition's component parties and held informal discussions with Pakatan Harapan leaders. 'The (Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah) president (Hajiji) has gathered feedback from party members and friendly parties. Once the council meets, we should be able to decide whether GRS will go solo or form a coalition,' Masidi said at SMJE's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, in collaboration with MyKasih Foundation at SMK Kanibongan in Pitas on Tuesday. He stressed Hajiji's stand that the state election should be contested under a united GRS banner, in line with its emphasis on maintaining political stability. 'Political stability is crucial. One of the reasons Sarawak is ahead in many aspects is because of its consistent political stability, which has allowed the state to focus on development. That is what we want for Sabah too. 'You cannot avoid politics, but politics alone cannot bring benefits unless it is accompanied by economic and developmental progress. Over the past few years, we have experienced relative political stability. 'That, along with less infighting, should now translate into achievements that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago,' he added. Masidi also acknowledged that GRS leaders are more inclined to work with Pakatan than Barisan Nasional (BN), citing long-standing tensions with Sabah Umno. 'Sabah Umno's leadership has made it clear they are not keen to work with GRS, and unfortunately, the feeling is mutual. That pretty much sums up the rather uneasy truce, if there is any political truce among all the political parties. 'Many of our leaders are comfortable working with Pakatan and maintaining the allocation and division of seats, but find it rather difficult to work with Barisan for reasons that have been mentioned many times. 'You can have many scenarios, one of them is maybe strike an agreement with Pakatan, and perhaps have a friendly match between GRS and Barisan.'
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Warisan rejects one-stop labour centre
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: 'For over a decade, we've asked for real Sabah representation. Why is the Human Resource Ministry (Kesuma) afraid of letting us choose our own voice?' Wong asked. Kota Kinabalu: Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong rejected the Federal Government's plan to set up a one-stop labour centre in Sabah, saying what the state truly needs is its own Human Resource Ministry. 'Sabah's labour issues are not due to a 20-year delay as claimed, that's misleading. Most local employers already adhere to peninsula standards. Advertisement 'Full federal control of the Labour Department (JTK) could lead to overly harsh enforcement, harming local businesses,' he warned. He also criticised the lack of Sabah representation in the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), saying Sabah-based associations had long been sidelined in favour of the West Malaysia-based MEF. 'For over a decade, we've asked for real Sabah representation. Why is the Human Resource Ministry (Kesuma) afraid of letting us choose our own voice?' he asked. He noted Sabah has nearly two million workers but no dedicated state HR Ministry, despite having the highest unemployment and lowest skilled labour rates in Malaysia. Junz questioned the legitimacy of the newly-formed Sabah Labour Advisory Council being co-chaired by both State and Federal representatives. 'If Kesuma is still steering, how is this a Sabah voice?' he asked. Calling for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be respected, Wong said labour matters were federalised only with the condition of state consultation, a condition now often ignored. 'Sabah doesn't just want services. We want autonomy, equity and dignity. Until we are treated as equals, reforms will never feel complete,' 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
