KOTA KINABALU/Nov 20: Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai is looking forward to be a team player to help develop the tourism industry in Tuaran.
Tuaran district is the homeground of Chief Minister cum Sulaman assemblyman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is adorned with many tourism potentials.
“During the election campaign, I had the opportunity to visit many places within the Tuaran parliamentary constituency and see for myself the needs of the people and the opportunities we can create that benefit the people.
“I’ve made some notes of ideas on how to grow Tuaran in a way that’s consistent with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,” he said.
Joniston, who is also Kiulu assemblyman, made his parliamentary debut by running for the Tuaran seat under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) banner in the 15th General Election on Nov 19.
He was seen as a strong contender to win giving that the three state seats under Tuaran were controlled by GRS.
However, he garnered 24,710 votes and lost to Pakatan Harapan’s Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, the incumbent Tuaran Member of Parliament by just 233.
Madius was re-elected with 24,943 votes.
During campaigns, Joniston consistently emphasised the need for a Borneo bloc’s collaboration between the GRS and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as the deciding factor in forming the federal government.
He proved his point when, shortly after the election results, the GRS, led by Hajiji, and GPS led by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, agreed to join forces to form the Borneo alliance.
“We have done everything to ensure GRS’s victory in Tuaran as it was crucial for its MP to come from the ruling the state government.
“I have no doubts that all the elected GRS MPs will stay true to their role in representing the people’s voice through a strong Borneo bloc partnership to influence the federal government in the efforts to continue demanding our rights,” he said.
Thanking voters for their support, Joniston reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving to the best of his ability.
