KOTA KINABALU: A new political party – Gemilang Anak Sabah (GAS) – has been launched with the hope of taking over the state government.
GAS president Jismit Japong said those with financial capacity and political interest were welcome to stand as candidates.
“We are looking at contesting 55 seats, excluding areas with ‘sure win’ incumbents.
“Our aim is to win. That is why the seats that we pick are those that we have a good chance,” he said, adding that it would be a self-funded election for GAS.
He said the areas they were looking at contesting would include Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s Sulaman seat, as well as Klias.
Jismit, who was previously with Umno, Sabah STAR and Parti Warisan, said GAS would go solo and would consider a merger or cooperation after the state polls.
He said outsiders or non-local parties would not be considered.
Among the changes GAS hoped to bring include setting up a Resource and Mining Development Ministry and a workforce ratio of 40:30:30 (40% men, 30% women and 30% youth).
“Our focus is to rid the state of corruption and develop Sabah’s infrastructure, economy, give free and affordable education from primary to tertiary levels and other important sectors.
“No assemblymen or Cabinet members would be allowed to handle projects or development deals,” he said.
Jismit said while state rights would remain their number one priority, only the state could speak or raise issues on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or the 40% revenue owed to the state.
