Joniston stressing a point during the joint PBS-Sabah STAR Convention in Penampang today.
KOTA KINABALU (July 12): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai today said the slogan “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga” is a patriotic call for Sabahans to take responsibility for their own state, and not a signal of hostility towards the Federal Government.
Speaking at the first joint convention of PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Joniston explained that the slogan reflects the deeply personal bond Sabahans have with their homeland, echoing the state anthem’s spirit of unity, responsibility and pride.
He stressed that the slogan for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was chosen to inspire local ownership in shaping Sabah’s future and to reaffirm the importance of empowering local leadership and decision-making, particularly by Sabah-based parties.
Citing lines from the state anthem such as “Sabah tanah airku, negeri kita yang tercinta” and “Sabah negeri merdeka”, he said the slogan resonates with the call for Sabahans to stand united and to guard their homeland with resolve.
“The slogan is not anti-Federal in any way because Sabah remains committed to Malaysia. But we want to be treated as an equal partner, where our voices matter in shaping national policies.
“Decisions on infrastructure, education and development must reflect our realities here, not be dictated by those in Putrajaya who may not fully understand the unique challenges we face,” said Joniston.
He took aim at the decisions made without consulting the Sabah government, including the setting up of the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani (JKDM) and the federal announcement on joint oil and gas development in the Ambalat waters.
He acknowledged the increase of Sabah’s special grant from RM53 million to RM600 million as a positive step, but reiterated GRS’s continued demand for the return of 40% revenue entitlement as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
Rebutting claims that the slogan was just political rhetoric, Joniston said “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga” must be understood as a real and urgent call for fair treatment, shared responsibility, and genuine respect for Sabah’s right to shape its own path within the Malaysian federation.
“I believe if this concept is fully realised, it can foster a more harmonious relationship between the Sabah and Federal governments, and help dispel any lingering doubts or suspicions about the sincerity in wanting to see Sabah progress on par with Peninsular Malaysia.
“Fulfilling what is rightly Sabah’s would go a long way in creating a harmonious, united, and strong Malaysia,” he said.
