Joniston Denies Pbs Disloyal Says Party Puts Sabah S Interests First

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 Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Joniston Bangkuai says those who revisit his party’s past for political gain often overlook the intent behind its decisions, including on political realignments.
Umno MP Suhaimi Nasir (right) said Joniston Bangkuai would be nobody in the state’s political landscape if not for the platform BN had provided PBS.PETALING JAYA: Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Joniston Bangkuai has fired back at Libaran MP Suhaimi Nasir for questioning the party’s loyalty, saying PBS’s direction and decisions are guided by the state’s realities and priorities
Joniston said PBS’s journey had always been guided by a clear principle: that Sabah should be governed by its own people, with leadership rooted in local identity and accountability, and with the rights and dignity of its citizens upheld at all times.
“While PBS does not claim a flawless history, we have never strayed from our founding mission.
“From the beginning, we have consistently championed state autonomy, fair treatment within the federation, and the protection of Sabah’s voice and future,” he said in a statement.
Joniston, who is also the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief, said those who revisited PBS’s past for political gain often overlooked the intent behind the party’s decisions.
“Our political journey is well documented. It has gone through alliances, realignments, and hard lessons. But through all that, PBS has remained consistent in its cause,” he said.
Borneo Post reported that Suhaimi, who is the Sabah Umno information chief, had chided Joniston earlier today over his salvo against Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin yesterday.
Joniston had criticised the Kinabatangan MP for saying that it was tough to work with GRS due to its past betrayal, adding that Bung was the last person who should be talking about loyalty and sincerity.
Suhaimi said Joniston would be a nobody in the state’s political landscape if not for the platform Barisan Nasional had provided PBS.
He said Joniston should not be too quick to speak of loyalty, citing PBS’s exit from BN on the eve of the 1990 general election, its return in 2002, and its departure again in 2018 after BN lost federal power.
PBS joined GRS in September 2020, just before the state election held that year.
Joniston said PBS’s decision to part ways with BN was taken after careful reflection on whether that alliance continued to align with the aspirations of Sabah.
“For PBS, our political decisions are always based on that core question: is this good for Sabah?
“Our decision to be part of GRS was made with a clear sense of purpose. We are working alongside local parties that understand Sabah’s priorities and are committed to meaningful development,” he said. - FMT

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