Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) unveiled its manifesto for the 17th Sabah State Election, branding it as “Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah 1” (RPS 1) or “Sabah Development Plan 1” – a comprehensive blueprint shaped by the aspirations of Sabahans from all walks of life.
Sabah Umno Treasurer Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said it reflects the people’s hopes for progress and a better quality of life, adding that BN’s commitments are realistic and grounded in the needs of ordinary Sabahans.
“We do not promise the moon and the stars. What we offer comes directly from the needs and wishes of Sabahans who want a more comfortable and secure life, especially in basic amenities similar to what Malaysians in other states already enjoy,” he said at the launch by BN Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at Umno Building.
Present were Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, BN Sec-Gen Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, BN Women chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Umno Sec-Gen Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and BN Sabah Women Chief Datuk Noraini Idris.
Salleh who is BN candidate for Usukan said the plan outlines BN’s policies and programmes that will be implemented if the coalition secures the mandate on Nov. 29.
He said the manifesto covers six core pillars – economic prosperity and quality of life for the people, Women as the Pillars of the Nation & Youth as Agents of Change, quality education for all, political transformation and governance, healthy prosperous communities and a welfare-oriented State and sustainability of resources.
Under the first pillar, BN Sabah promises to set up a Sabah Wealth Fund or known as “Dana Kemakmuran Negeri Sabah” as a long-term savings and investment vehicle for the state and the people especially for the next generation.
Housing remains a major component with BN pledging 15,000 Rumah Sabahku affordable homes annually to address squatter issues and ensure access to quality housing.
He said a “Special House Repair Fund” offering up to RM10,000 per disaster-affected household is also proposed.
“To aid and secure the future of young Sabahans, BN Sabah pledged to ensure every Sabahan born from Jan 1, 2026, will receive RM1,000 under the Sabah Child Investment Scheme (ANAS) as seed savings for their future.
For long-term development, we propose to build a new international airport and a new Kudat port to strengthen Sabah’s position as a key regional hub between East Asia and Southeast Asia,” he said.
Salleh said BN’s top agenda is to resolve Sabah’s long-standing ‘three-in-one’ infrastructure problems — water supply disruptions, pot-hole ridden roads, incomplete Pan Borneo Highway works and unstable electricity supply.
“A ‘Sabah Water Commission is among the proposed solutions and rural internet coverage will be expanded to ensure digital inclusivity and broadband and internet coverage in rural areas will be expanded so every Sabahan can enjoy reliable connectivity.
In agriculture, Sabah will be developed as a ‘Food Security Hub’, focusing on rice production, seafood exports and marine-based industries.
“Meanwhile, the tourism sector will emphasise stricter licensing enforcement and prioritise local tour companies,” he said.
To strengthen women’s development under second pillar, Salleh said BN Sabah proposes establishing the Sabah Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, to be led by a woman.
He said a one-off i-Suri incentive of RM600 will also be offered to new EPF contributors among housewives, widows and unemployed single mothers.
“Youth, who make up 55pc of Sabah’s 1.7 million voters, are promised various programmes to acquire skills and reskilling including setting up an international-standard TVET centres, and introducing Sabah TVET Skill Scheme (SKIVETS) as a career pathway.
“We will also provide homes for the youths through ‘Casa Belia’ or houses for youths via rent-to-own homes with zero deposit, and providing ‘Youth Transit Homes’ in major urban areas with lowest rent and they can stay up to one year.
“Young entrepreneurs will be eligible for a RM5,000 grant to venture into digital and gig-economy businesses, while a ‘Special Sports Development Fund’ — including e-sports to support high-performance sports,” he said.
Salleh said BN Sabah also plans to develop a “Modern Motorsports Hub” for avid enthusiasts of Cub Prix, Drag, Drift and Karting among youths and the creation of “Port Aspirasi” as youth activity centres in 10 districts to develop their economy, cultural talent, creativity, digital training and entrepreneurship activities.
Under the quality education for all thrust, he said BN Sabah is committed to providing free education for Sabah students from the B40 group at state-owned higher education institutions.
“Sabah students will benefit from ‘Free Higher Education’ at state-owned IPTA institutions, enjoying one-off incentive scheme between RM2,000 and RM2,500 for university entry, Gradwings airfare assistance of up to RM1,000, and an annual Student Card worth RM500.
“While preschoolers, the ‘Intan assistance scheme’ will provide RM300 annually for kindergarten fees for Sabahan children aged 5 and 6,” he said.
Under Sabah rights of the fourth pillar - the political transformation and governance thrust, Salleh said BN Sabah reiterated its commitment to resolving the state’s 40pc net revenue entitlement within 180 days of the High Court judgment dated Oct 17, 2025.
He said BN Sabah will also establish a Special State Legislative Assembly Committee to monitor and oversee the implementation of the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, including matters related to Sabah’s autonomous rights.
Under welfare and health of the fifth pillar, Salleh said BN Sabah proposed “Prihatin Sabah Free Health Protection Scheme” aims to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis and other critical treatments.
Under the last pillar – resources sustainability, Salleh said a Sabah Petroleum Council will be formed to ensure Sabah’s interests in oil and gas, including requirements for 50pc skilled Sabahan employment and 30pc local company participation in contracts.
Salleh said BN stands on a track record of experience and proven service.
