Kota kinabalu: Incumbent for the Kiulu seat Datuk Joniston Bangkuai is highly confident that the momentum of support for him and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will remain strong ahead of polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election on Nov 29.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Joniston emphasizes that his performance record is more important than political rhetoric. He notes that the encouraging response throughout his campaign series shows that the people understand the state government’s continuous efforts to develop Kiulu, particularly in the tourism and agriculture sectors.
“In Kiulu there are eight candidates, each offering promises and so on, but for me as the incumbent, I am simply continuing on what we have already done and what is currently in progress,” he said. He made these remarks to reporters after attending Kiulu’s ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’ campaign event, which was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister and GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Joniston stated that many matters promised by other candidates are already in the process of being implemented, and the people of Kiulu are increasingly aware of the significant developments since GRS took over the administration five years ago. He highlighted ongoing projects in agricultural roads and tourism development, emphasizing that these initiatives are already underway.
He also dismissed allegations that GRS was colluding with a party from Peninsular Malaysia, stating, “That is not what the people want to hear. The people want to hear what we can do to help them, not the playing of sentiments.” His main focus, he added, is to advance Kiulu’s economy through the tourism sector, fertile land, and rural development potential.
Commenting on the competition among local parties, Joniston said GRS is the most effective platform for uniting local parties. He noted GRS’ capability to secure greater revenue for Sabah through negotiation-based approaches, including cooperation with Petronas. These outcomes, he added, demonstrate that firm and structured negotiations provide clear returns for the people of Sabah.