By WU VUIDE
KIULU: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has urged the people not to be misled by opposition narratives that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government is not doing enough to pursue Sabah’s 40 per cent constitutional entitlement.
The state leadership remained fully committed to securing the matter as soon as possible, he said during the Kaamatan celebration and engagement session with Mahkamah Anak Negeri representatives and village heads.
Joniston, who is GRS Information Chief, said the State Government’s approach of prioritising consultation, engagement and maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the Federal Government was already producing positive results.
He said this was reflected in the increase of the special grant from RM53 million during the previous Warisan administration to RM600 million under the current GRS-led government.
He also reiterated that the GRS administration, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, had also come up with a Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas, describing it as a strategic move that had generated billions of Ringgit in returns for Sabah.
“The GRS government remains firm and will not relent in its efforts to secure the 40 per cent revenue entitlement. While this continues to be pursued, rest assured the state leadership will also keep pushing for a higher Special Grant and more collaborative agreements with Putrajaya,” he said.
Joniston, who is Kiulu Assemblyman, urged village heads and chairpersons of village development and security committees (JKKK) to counter opposition narratives at the grassroots level by helping explain government initiatives and policies to the people.
Meanwhile, he announced the setting up of an independent panel to assess the performance and effectiveness of village heads in Kiulu in carrying out their duties and responsibilities within their respective communities.
“The panel will also receive and look into complaints related to the performance and conduct of village heads. We will not hesitate to replace those who fail to perform,” he said.
Joniston said the panel would comprise individuals with integrity and report directly to the Kiulu Assemblyman’s office, adding that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to ensure grassroots leaders remained accountable and effective in serving the people.
Joniston being greeted upon arrival at the Kaamatan celebration and engagement session with Native Court representatives and village heads.
