Joniston Bin Lumai @ Bangkuai
Kiulu (N15)
Age 63
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- Born: 17 April 1962
- Education not publicly disclosed; former journalist and media experience
- State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah — Serving since 8 October 2020, under Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Ministers Jafry Ariffin (to 2023) and Christina Liew (since 2023)
- Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) — Appointed on 20 December 2020, reappointed in January 2024
- MLA for Kiulu since May 2013, elected in three consecutive terms with increasing majorities; constituency known for eco‑tourism and community programmes.Serves as Information Chief for both:
- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) since 1 July 2022, and
- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) since 4 March 2022.
- Former Secretary‑General of PBS (1 January 2021 – 30 June 2022), contributing to party reorganisation and public messaging.
- Advocated community-based tourism (COBT): urged local villagers—especially in Semporna (Pulau Bum‑Bum, Omadal)—to establish licensed homestays and craft tourism products for inclusive economic benefit.
- Actively pushes rural tourism expansion in Kiulu: supports summer camps, youth programmes, eco-tourism cooperatives, and infrastructure improvements such as bridge upgrades.
- Integrates agriculture with tourism development: supports agro-tourism initiatives—such as pineapple and ginger processing facilities—to create value chains in tandem with visitor experiences.
- Promotes jobs for rural youth: noted that over 80 tourism businesses in Kiulu have generated around 400 jobs, and actively pushes for youth involvement in hospitality and local tourism economic activities.
- State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah (since 8 October 2020), serving under Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and contributing to tourism strategy and environmental stewardship.
- Chairman, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) since 20 December 2020, reappointed in January 2024, where he’s led efforts to boost rural and cultural tourism development.
- As Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kiulu since May 2013 (reelected in 2018 and 2020), he has driven youth-led development with initiatives like the Youth Entrepreneurship & Leadership Fund (RM50,000) aimed at empowering young people in tourism and sustainable development.
- Spearheaded the push to develop Kiulu into a sports and adventure tourism hub, hosting events like Borneo Ultra Marathon and encouraging community-run sporting events.
- Promoted history and architectural tourism in Sabah; recently launched the History @ Sabah Museum programme to highlight Sabah’s historical milestones.
- Played a leadership role within Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and GRS: currently serves as Information Chief of both PBS (since July 2022) and GRS (first-ever, since March 2022).
“Joniston ‘opportunistic’, forgets BN roots – Suhaimi”
Libaran MP Suhaimi Nasir alleges Joniston abandoned his BN roots and labels him politically opportunistic.
Full link: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/06/04/joniston-opportunistic-forgets-bn-roots-suhaimi/
“Joniston denies PBS disloyal, says party puts Sabah’s interests first”
Joniston responds to accusations, opposing statements from Umno’s Bung Moktar and defending PBS’s consistency.
Full link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/06/04/joniston-denies-pbs-disloyal-says-party-puts-sabahs-interests-first
“GRS unfazed by corruption allegations, says information chief”
Joniston addresses bribery allegations involving GRS leaders, urging trust in due process and MACC.
Full link: https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/104047/grs-unfazed-by-corruption-allegations-says-info-chief
“Wrongdoing accusation won’t sidetrack GRS, says Joniston”
Report on emerging corruption accusations involving assemblymen, with Joniston stressing the coalition remains focused.
Full link: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/246027/wrongdoing-accusation-won‑t‑sidetrack‑grs‑says‑joniston/
Related Political Commentary (Not Controversies but Contextual)
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“GRS contesting solo not a barrier to federal ties, says Joniston” – On coalition strategy and federal cooperation.
Full link: https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/05/14/grs-contesting-solo-not-a-barrier-to-federal-ties-says-joniston/ -
“GRS rubbishes talk of STAR exit, says all components united” – Joniston affirms PBS remains in coalition despite rumours of STAR leaving.
Full link: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/07/03/grs-rubbishes-talk-of-star-exit-says-all-components-united -
No-to-Umno article – Joniston counters Umno Sabah claims, emphasizing PBS’s political maturity.
Full link: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/06/28/no-to-umno‑pbs‑dismisses‑bung039s‑039bitter039‑claims