KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) needs a new mandate from the people to continue implementing development programmes under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan, said Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The caretaker Chief Minister said the new mandate, through the 17th Sabah election, is crucial to ensure the sustained and accelerated development of the state under SMJ 2.0.
The GRS chairman said SMJ 1.0, which began in 2021, had recorded impressive achievements in implementing the various initiatives outlined by the government, the results of which can already be seen and felt by the people.
“Give us a new mandate and we will drive more robust development under the SMJ 2.0 for Sabah,” said Hajiji.
He added that there is still much more to be done to ensure continued development for the state.
He said this at the launch of the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok Sub-District Strategic Development Plan 2025 – 2035, the key handover ceremony for the Sabah Maju Jaya houses, the opening of Masjid Nur Ihsan Menumbok, the handover of land gazette and aid presentation by the Limus Jury Foundation, in Menumbok on Thursday (Nov 6).
He urged the people not to be influenced by the rhetoric of opposition parties, who often attack the GRS-led government with accusations, including claims that it has failed.
“Now they say the GRS government has failed. What failure? The problems we are facing now were inherited from them. What did they do when they were Rural Development Minister?
“The water issue wasn’t resolved, electricity, rural roads weren’t completed, so why blame the current government?” Hajiji asked.
Hajiji said the people should look at the successes achieved by GRS in restoring the economy after the Covid-19 pandemic and in facing political instability since taking over the government five years ago.
He said there was no reason not to choose GRS again in the upcoming polls, as much has already been achieved and enjoyed by the people and that these efforts must continue for the benefit of Sabah.
He said under GRS’s investor-friendly approach, the state attracted a large number of local and foreign investors in various sectors, which not only boosted the economy but also created many job opportunities.
“We are also helping the poor in villages because when we collect more revenue, we return it to the people.
"This year alone, about 100,000 low-income citizens are receiving RM300 per month in assistance.
“Through the Welfare Department, we are helping 70,000 people, including persons with disabilities (OKU) and senior citizens, with monthly aid, compared to only 30,000 previously,” said Hajiji.
He said SMJ housing was also provided, with 50 houses, including 10 units for eligible newlyweds next year.
Hajiji also pointed out that the education sector has also been prioritised, with allocations reaching RM1.3bil over the past five years, particularly to support students through scholarship programmes along with other forms of assistance.
