KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) today launched its 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) General Election Manifesto, featuring one vision, four pillars, and 16 comprehensive development strategies as the roadmap for the state’s direction for the nextfive years.
The manifesto, launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor in hiscapacity as GRS Chairman, is a declaration of pledges, commitments, and GRS’ strategic plans for the people of Sabah, who will determine the formation of the government through the upcoming election on November 29.
In his speech, Hajiji said the manifesto, themed ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga – Tanah Air Maju, Rakyat Berkemajuan’ will bring Sabah into a better new era aligned with the State Government’s efforts to develop Sabah guided by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap.
“Therefore today, in the spirit of the struggle and commitment of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, we launch the GRS Manifesto as a declaration of pledges, commitment, and the strategic plans of GRS for the people of Sabah for the next five years.
“This declaration of pledges, commitment, and strategic plan is based on four core pillars of the GRS struggle in defending the rights of the people and the sovereignty of Sabah: SABAH FIRST, SABAH FORWARD, SABAH PROSPER, and SABAH UNITED. “These four pillars were already expressed during the launch of GRS on 28 May 2022.
Therefore, based on these foundations, we offer them as the pillars of our Manifesto to bring Sabah to greater heights in the future,” he said during the launch of the GRS Manifesto at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Monday.
He said GRS is determined and committed to fulfilling everything contained in its Manifesto, which covers all aspects of strategic development that are holistic and inclusive, in line with the SMJ Policy Direction that forms the backbone of the State Government.
“This Manifesto encompasses development across various sectors – Economy, Infrastructure, Security, Education, Human Capital Development, Environmental Sustainability, and People’s Well-being – including demands for Sabah’s rights as clearly stated in the Federal Constitution.
“Indeed, the GRS struggle is by the people and for the people, towards a developed and prosperous Sabah – without neglecting our responsibilities as citizens who uphold the sovereignty of Malaysia’s laws.
“With this more comprehensive Manifesto framework – rooted in commitment towards a progressive, prosperous, and united Sabah – I am confident GRS will gain strong support from the people, win the 55 seats we are contesting, and regain the Sabah State Government, God willing,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that GRS is not only capable of maintaining stability and unity but also able to bring change and progress.
He said GRS’ capability and determination in building strong foundations for prosperity and well-being have been proven over the five years of leading the Sabah State Government.
“Indeed, GRS is the best choice for all the people,” he said. Meanwhile under Pillar 1: Sabah First, four pledges are outlined, that is First -Continue firm action for the immediate implementation of Sabah’s rights under the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
Second – Secure the constitutional right to the 40% Special Grant return of net revenue to the State Consolidated Fund.
Third – Uphold sovereignty and defend the security and integrity of Sabah’s territorial borders. Fourth – Emphasise the need to realise meaningful regional autonomy.
Under Pillar 2, Sabah Forward, the key commitments include, first – Strengthen economic resources by exploring diverse assets such as Digital Economy potential and Carbon CreditTrading.
Second – Create a future income source through the establishment of the Sabah Sovereign Wealth Fund, with initial capital injection from state reserves and annual additions from the40% Special Grant entitlement.
Third – Increase foreign and domestic investments and explore Sabah’s economic potential internationally.
Fourth – Drive meaningful participation, employability, and decent income for Sabahans across economic sectors through human capital development to improve socio-economic well-being.
Under Pillar 3, Sabah Prosper, GRS outlines these pledges, First – Double state revenue collection toward the RM10 billion target. Second – Resolve legacy issues in basic infrastructure – water supply, electricity, road networks, and communications.
Third – Address major inherited issues such as poverty, needs of vulnerable groups, job opportunities, housing, disaster management, urban modernisation, and development of under developed districts.
Fourth – Implement legal and institutional reforms towards a sustainable, progressive, and high-integrity governance environment, including limiting the Chief Minister’s term to two terms.
Under Pillar 4, Sabah United, the commitments are, first – Celebrate diversity and respect the rights and interests of every ethnic and religious group.
3 Second – Emphasise inclusivity to ensure equal access and opportunities for all Sabahans andall social segments for upward social mobility, ensuring no group is left behind.
Third – Foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility in advancing the Sabah First agenda and the “Our Home, We Protect” vision.
Fourth – Strengthen GRS as a platform uniting local parties to build political stability and reinforce Sabah’s political strength within the Malaysian Federation. -pr/BNN
