Hajiji symbolically signing on the GRS Manifesto to mark its launch, while GRS component party leaders look on.
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) today launched its Manifesto for the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly Election, outlining one vision, four pillars and 16 comprehensive development strategies charting Sabah’s direction for the next five years.
The manifesto, launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor in his capacity as GRS Chairman, represents the coalition’s pledges, commitments and strategic plans for the people of Sabah, who will decide the formation of the next government in the November 29 election.
In his speech, Hajiji said the manifesto, themed “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga – Tanah Air Maju, Rakyat Berkemajuan”, aims to propel Sabah into a better new era aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap.
“Therefore 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 strategic plans for the people of Sabah for the next five years.
“This declaration 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 expressed during the launch of GRS on 28 May 2022. Based on these foundations, we now offer them as the pillars of our Manifesto to bring Sabah to greater heights,” he said at the launch held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
He said GRS is determined to fulfil everything contained in its Manifesto, which covers all aspects of holistic and inclusive strategic development in line with the SMJ Policy Direction that guides the State Government.
“This Manifesto 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 and laws of Malaysia.”
Hajiji added that with this comprehensive Manifesto framework, anchored on a commitment towards a progressive, prosperous and united Sabah, he is confident that GRS will gain strong support from the people, win the 55 seats it is contesting and regain the State Government, God willing.
He emphasised that GRS is capable not only of maintaining stability and unity but also driving change and progress.
Hajiji said GRS’ capability and determination in building strong foundations for prosperity and the people’s wellbeing have been proven over the past five years leading the Sabah State Government.
“Indeed, GRS is the best choice for all the people,” he said.
Pillar 1: Sabah First
Four pledges outlined:
* 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.
* Emphasise the need to realise meaningful regional autonomy.
Pillar 2: Sabah Forward
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.
* Drive meaningful participation, employability and decent income for Sabahans across economic sectors through human capital development.
Pillar 3: Sabah Prosper
The pledges are:
* 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, vulnerable groups, job opportunities, housing, disaster management, urban modernisation and the development of underdeveloped districts.
* Implement legal and institutional reforms towards sustainable, progressive and high-integrity governance, including limiting the Chief Minister’s term to two terms.
Pillar 4: Sabah United
Commitments under this pillar include:
* 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, 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.
