Tiong speaks during his recent visit to Kampung Merotai Iban in support of PH’s Merotai candidate Datuk Ruji Ubi. – Photo via Facebook/Dato’ Seri Tiong King Sing （拿督斯里张庆信）
KUCHING (Nov 25): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth has stressed that Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing was campaigning in the Sabah state election purely in his personal capacity as a federal minister, and not as a representative of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
In a statement today, the movement said this clarification was necessary following viral photos and comments alleging that Tiong was showing support for a Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate in the Sri Tanjong constituency during the campaigning period.
Tiong is also the president of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a component of GPS. Other GPS components are PBB, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
PBB Youth said GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had not issued any directive related to the polls, nor had the coalition deployed any delegates or representatives to Sabah.
“YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing’s presence in Sabah is strictly in his personal capacity as Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It is not under the direction, authority or representation of GPS,” the statement said.
The movement added that any action or statement made by Tiong in the course of the Sabah election does not reflect GPS’ official position.
“GPS remains committed to maintaining good ties with the Sabah government and will not interfere in local political matters throughout the election period,” it said, adding the statement was issued to prevent misunderstandings and to reaffirm GPS’ neutral position in the 2025 Sabah state election.
On his official Facebook page, Tiong shared photos and videos of him campaigning for PH candidates in Sti Tanjong and Merotai constituencies.
Last Wednesday, PDP deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep had said GPS was not taking part in campaigning for the Sabah state polls.