January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
KOTA KINABALU, June 29 — The collaboration between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) should not be mistaken for the formation of a new political bloc, but rather viewed as an initiative to strengthen the existing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, said PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Joniston said the upcoming PBS-STAR grassroots convention, set for July 12, is intended to reinforce cooperation between the two local parties as Sabah gears up for the next state election.
“This convention is important because we want members and grassroots leaders from both parties to come together and deepen our strong mutual understanding and cooperation,” he said after officiating the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Conference and Expo 2025.
Joniston stressed that the partnership aims to enhance cohesiveness between PBS and STAR at all levels, including grassroots operations.
“This initiative is focused on strengthening Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. When PBS and STAR are united and strong, it translates to a stronger GRS,” he said.
He also reaffirmed that contesting under the GRS banner remains a key priority for PBS, highlighting the coalition's shared resolve to maintain control of the state government.
“Our leadership has made it clear that it’s important for us to run as GRS candidates. This reinforces GRS’s commitment to forming the next government,” he added.
In response to Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s recent claim that Umno never invited PBS to collaborate, Joniston clarified that PBS never claimed to have received such an offer.
“That remark was made in the context of Zahid Hamidi’s (Umno president) statement that the door remains open for cooperation with GRS. Bung was echoing that view. Our stand is clear — GRS, comprising eight component parties, must continue to strengthen itself and explore collaboration with Pakatan Harapan, which is currently part of the GRS Plus state government,” he said.
Joniston also noted that while some Umno assemblymen are members of the current State Cabinet, Barisan Nasional (BN) as a whole is not officially part of the government.
“BN is not officially in government. It’s individual Umno representatives who are working with the administration.”
He further criticised what he described as Umno’s inconsistent stance on its relationship with GRS.
“Bung has repeatedly said they won’t work with GRS, but then the narrative shifts. One day it’s a definite no, the next day there’s a hint of openness. As far as PBS is concerned, the Chief Minister and GRS chairman have been consistent, and any decision will be made collectively with input from all coalition partners,” Joniston said.
He reaffirmed PBS’s long-standing position — if Umno and BN are not interested in working with GRS, then PBS sees no need to pursue such a partnership. — The Borneo Post
