Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) refuted allegations by Api-Api Assemblyman from Parti Warisan, who attempted to portray the GRS Government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, as marginalising the Chinese community by allegedly using government allocations as a “political tool”.
PGRS Kiulu Division Deputy Chief Datuk George Teo said such statements are irresponsible and could create suspicion and racial division among the people of Sabah.
He said although Warisan won eight out of the nine Chinese-majority seats in the last state election, it never resulted in the GRS Government neglecting the Chinese community in Sabah.
“On the contrary, the outcome has motivated the GRS Government to work even harder in understanding and addressing the issues faced by the Chinese community,” he said in a statement.
George stressed that the GRS Government, which is supported by 54 assemblymen, remains committed to safeguarding the interests of all Sabahans regardless of race, religion, or political background.
“The State Government today adopts an inclusive approach and prioritises unity among Sabahans. Therefore, it is inappropriate for any party to make baseless accusations that could disrupt the harmony of our multiracial society,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President cum Api-Api Division Chief Sim Fui said the GRS Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment towards the development, welfare and interests of the Chinese community in Sabah through various policies and assistance initiatives.
According to him, claims that the GRS Government is side-lining the Chinese community are unfounded and contradict the facts and track record of the current administration.
“The GRS Government has always practised a fair and inclusive administration for all Sabahans regardless of race and religion,” he said.
He pointed out that among the clear evidence of the Government’s commitment are the increase of allocations amounting to RM5 million for the nine Chinese independent secondary schools in Sabah, as well as the official recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
“The State Government has also provided scholarships and educational opportunities for UEC graduates as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development within the Chinese community in Sabah,” Sim added.
In addition, he said the Government has allocated RM70 million to non-Muslim associations, places of worship, NGOs and community organisations, including those within the Chinese community.
“All these initiatives clearly prove that the GRS Government has never marginalised any race or community due to political differences,” he said.
Sim also called on all parties to stop politicising racial issues and refrain from creating narratives that could spark misunderstanding and tension among Sabah’s multiracial communities.
“Sabah has always been known for its harmony among diverse races and religions. What the people need today is political stability, economic development, and unity — not politics of hatred and division,” he said.
Both leaders reaffirmed that the GRS Government will continue working hard for the interests of all Sabahans in line with the spirit of “Sabah First, People First”.
