ʻ SAYANGI SABAHʼ

GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah's manifesto was launched yesterday, with the PM highlighting the alliance's close relationship with a federal government committed to safeguarding the welfare of Sabahans especially in these tough times, and fulfilling MA63.

PRIME Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) have pledged to uplift Sabah economically and politically through a manifesto centred on realising the state’s potential.

GRS’ Aku Janji manifesto, with the theme “Sayangi Sabah”, covered nine cores: infrastructure, economy, job opportunities, public service, the people’s health and wellbeing, education, human capital, youths and women’s development.

Muhyiddin, in his speech at the launch of the manifesto yesterday, described the manifesto as a “total commitment” from the allied parties to elevate Sabah, especially in these tough times amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

He spoke on the close ties between the federal government and GRS, which comprises Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).

“Why was a copy (of the manifesto) given to me, the prime minister, and not the chief minister? This is because the content is about affairs between Sabah and the federal government.

“This alliance (GRS) and the cooperation (with the federal government) are important so that we can provide significantly better offerings to the people of Sabah.

“This is something we need to do because Sabah has many areas that need development. The people need support from both state and federal levels.”

The manifesto touched on prioritising the local workforce in mega projects, downstream industries in each district, upgrading and building more roads in rural areas, improving digital technology in public service, integrated initiatives between the public and private sectors to reduce the cost of living, and expanding high-speed Internet coverage to enhance digital education in schools.

Present were Sabah PN chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor, PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Pas secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan, Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Radin Malleh, Sabah Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.

Muhyiddin said the manifesto was tailored to the needs of those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had severely affected the state’s economy.

“Our commitment is not the usual commitment, but an extraordinary one.

“When PN formed the government, we did not have Aku Janji or a manifesto.

“But we have shown our extraordinary performance in facing an extraordinary and unprecedented situation.

“We had to take a firm and brave decision to show that despite being new, we are a functional government.

“Choose wisely, choose parties under GRS. Give us a chance so that Sabah is ruled by a caring government.”

Later at a press conference, Hajiji said GRS had better offerings for the people as it would administer the state on the same wavelength as the federal government.

Hajiji, who is also Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chief, said he was confident the manifesto could be fulfilled.

“I am confident that the pledges can be realised if there is a good relationship with the federal government under the leadership of Muhyiddin.

“The pledges will focus on reviving the dire state of the (state’s) economy under the leadership of Parti Warisan Sabah.”

To a question, Hajiji said GRS would try to fulfil its election promises within five years if it had the people’s mandate.

“The pledges cannot be fulfilled within a year, especially when it comes to infrastructure. What’s important is the efforts and allocations (to realise the pledges).”

On his possible candidacy as the next chief minister, Hajiji downplayed the buzz on the matter, saying his name was only proposed for the post and focus should be on winning the state election.

On Tuesday, PN information chief Datuk Seri Azmin Ali expressed support for Hajiji as the best choice for chief minister should GRS win the state polls.

Earlier in a speech, Bung Moktar said the people should remove GRS as a state government if it failed to deliver its promises.

“We will fulfil this manifesto. We are not Warisan, which made promises, but none of them have been fulfilled.

“If we make promises but fail to fulfil them, we too will rule for only one or even half a term.”