SANDAKAN: Gagasan Rakyat Vice President Datuk Masiung Banah said voter response towards Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidates in the 17th state election is “clearly evident,” citing a growing preference for local parties over outsiders.
He attributed this to the perception that GRS, after five years in state government, has delivered stability, strong leadership, public assistance, and progress under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“We are seeing a trend where the people appreciate the GRS government’s efforts in maintaining political stability, providing support, and meeting long-standing demands,” he said after visiting the media centre at the Pavilion Hotel.
Masiung, the incumbent Kuamut assemblyman defending his seat, highlighted land ownership as a key concern.
He noted that before 2008, land ownership among locals was minimal compared to companies.
Since taking office, he prioritised land applications from residents, including communal grants, group titles, and rapid surveys, benefiting villagers to this day.
On sports and tourism, he said efforts to develop a sports complex stalled with a change in government, but he aims to further develop tourism, highlighting the Imbak Canyon research centre and Sabah’s “Heart of Borneo” as potential attractions.
Confident in retaining Kuamut — having previously won as an independent — Masiung stressed the importance of federal-state cooperation to ensure continued development.
He also praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his frequent visits and focus on Sabah’s progress.
On post-election cooperation, he said no party will dominate, and strategies will be considered to best serve the people’s mandate.
Highlighting Kuamut’s progress from one of Malaysia’s poorest areas, he pointed to increased land ownership, oil palm plantations, and government support benefiting residents.
Asked about other parties’ “Kasi Bagus Sabah” manifestos, he questioned their credibility, noting ongoing internal disputes over leadership selections.
