Kota Kinabalu: One vision, Four pillars and 16 comprehensive development strategies – this is the roadmap for the state’s direction the next five years, as outlined in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) election manifesto, Monday.
The manifesto, launched by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in his capacity as GRS Chairman, is a declaration of GRS’ pledges, commitments and strategic plans for the people of Sabah, who will determine the next government on Nov. 29.
Hajiji said the manifesto, themed “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga – Tanah Air Maju, Rakyat Berkemajuan”, will bring Sabah into a better era aligned with the State Government’s efforts guided by the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
“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 the next five years.
“It 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 May 28, 2022. Therefore, based on these foundations, we offer them as the pillars of our Manifesto to bring Sabah to greater heights,” he said, at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), 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.
“It encompasses development across various sectors – Economy, Infrastructure, Security, Education, Human Capital Development, Environmental Sustainability and People’s Wellbeing – 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 Government, God willing.”
The Chief Minister stressed that GRS is not only capable of maintaining stability and unity but also bring change and progress.
He said GRS’ capability and determination in building strong foundations for prosperity and wellbeing 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.
Under Pillar 1, Sabah First, four pledges are outlined:
- To 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;
- Secure the constitutional right to the 40% Special Grant return of net revenue to the State Consolidated Fund;
- Uphold sovereignty and defend the security and integrity of Sabah’s territorial borders; and
- Emphasise the need to realise meaningful regional autonomy.
Under Pillar 2, Sabah Forward, the key commitments include:
- Strengthen economic resources by exploring diverse assets such as Digital Economy potential and Carbon Credit Trading;
- 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 the 40% Special Grant entitlement;
- Increase foreign and domestic investments and explore Sabah’s economic potential internationally; and
- Drive meaningful participation, employability, and decent income for Sabahans across economic sectors through human capital development to improve socioeconomic wellbeing.
Under Pillar 3, Sabah Prosper, GRS outlines the pledges:
- Double state revenue collection toward the RM10 billion target.
- Resolve legacy issues in basic infrastructure – water supply, electricity, road networks, and communications.
- Address major inherited issues such as poverty, needs of vulnerable groups, job opportunities, housing, disaster management, urban modernisation, and development of underdeveloped districts.
- 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:
- Celebrate diversity and respect the rights and interests of every ethnic and religious group;
- Emphasise inclusivity to ensure equal access and opportunities for all Sabahans and all social segments for upward social mobility, ensuring no group is left behind;
- Foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility in advancing the Sabah First agenda and the “Our Home, We Protect” vision;
- Strengthen GRS as a platform uniting local parties to build political stability and reinforce Sabah’s political strength within the Malaysian Federation.
