Joniston said GRS remains the best platform to govern the state and unite its people.

“The people have long wanted to see local parties takie charge of Sabah’s direction and that is now a reality under GRS,” he said at the handover of ICT equipment to Catholic churches in Mantob, Kiulu, today.

Joniston, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief and Kiulu assemblyman, said growing public sentiment shows Sabahans support strong, united local parties.

He noted that Pakatan Harapan’s backing of chief minister Hajiji Noor reflected recognition of this preference.

“This was different from Warisan and PKDM, which backed Umno to take charge of the state government. That’s the clear difference,” he said in reference to the failed attempt to oust the Hajiji-led state government in January 2023.

Joniston said GRS remains relevant as a coalition that emphasises constructive partnership and mutual respect among its component parties, allowing for better coordination on issues such as rural development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.

His remarks come after Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku  and the Sabah Progressive Party quit GRS following disagreement with the coalition’s decision to partner with PH in the coming state election.

GRS said the July pact with PH must be honoured.

SAPP’s Supreme Council reportedly endorsed its departure, citing the belief that the Sabah government should be led by local parties.

STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan previously insisted that GRS should go solo in the state election rather than continue its pact with PH, stating that this was what Sabahans wanted.