Kota Kinabalu: Free higher education for eligible students and a light rail system in Kota Kinabalu are among the key promises in Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto ahead of the upcoming Sabah election.
The manifesto, presented by Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud outlines eight commitments in a comprehensive plan aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and enhancing social welfare across the state.
“PH does not promise the moon and stars but focuses on basic needs with a bold and radical approach,” he said.
“Our main priority is to resolve infrastructure issues, namely water, roads, and electricity, which have long been persistent problems. This will be followed by improving education for Sabah’s children and overall public welfare.”
Key initiatives include ensuring a reliable water supply by replacing old pipes and building new dams, developing green and sustainable energy solutions alongside new power plants, and maintaining roads to improve connectivity across Sabah.
Apart from free tuition fees at the higher education level for all eligible students, PH also promised an annual RM100 financial assistance for Sabahans aged 18 and above.
Housing remains a priority, with plans to build homes priced below RM250,000 for first-time buyers, young families, and B40 communities.
PH also aims to expand tourism facilities, host more event-based activities, and enhance ports in Kudat, Sandakan, and Tawau to strengthen trade and border economies.
Economic development will be supported through new integrated industrial parks to attract high-tech investments and downstream industries, as well as a Kota Kinabalu Light Rail (KKLR) system to improve public transport.
On governance and long-term planning, PH proposed the establishment of a Sabah sovereign wealth future fund, which Mustapha said would be managed professionally and will have to report to the state legislative assembly.
A special select committee between government and opposition blocs will be introduced to hold GLCs and agencies accountable through open questioning.
PH also proposed a Cabinet restructuring to enhance administrative productivity and stimulate economic growth.
Youth empowerment is a key focus, with the promise of 20,000 quality jobs with fair, qualification-based salaries and a student living allowance of RM1,200 annually.
High-value industrial growth will be driven by expanding downstream activities in oil and gas, timber, palm oil, silica sand, agro-maritime, and seafood processing sectors.
PH also said it aims for 30% women representation in the Sabah Cabinet, GLC leadership, and local governments if it wins the state election.
The coalition also pledged to develop Sabah under the Madani framework, positioning the state as a leading regional player through stronger collaboration between the state and federal governments.
PH is contesting 21 seats in the polls taking place on Nov 29 – 12 under PKR, eight under DAP and one under Amanah.
