GRS promises wealth fund

Aiming ahead: Party workers (from left) Alfia Yunus, 31, Nur Ismyra Ismail, 33, and Nur E’zzati Nadiah Hassan, 35, looking at pamplets containing GRS’ manifesto during a ceremony ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

Coalition also targets RM10bil annual revenue by 2030

KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is promising a special Sabah Sovereign Wealth Fund and targeting annual state revenue of RM10bil by 2030, if it remains in government.

The wealth fund, called Dana Pelaburan Masa Depan Anak Sabah, will invest strategically for the long term, using initial capital from the state reserve and annual contributions from Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.

These promises were part of the coalition’s manifesto for the 17th Sabah state election.

GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the fund was designed to ensure future generations will benefit from today’s revenue growth.

“This is about investing today so our children and grand­children inherit sustainable and stable resources.

“With rising state income and structured mechanisms in place, Sabah can achieve greater financial independence while addressing legacy issues and infrastructure gaps,” he said during the launch of the manifesto.

The manifesto, themed “Memacu Sabah Maju, Rakyat Ber­kemajuan” (Driving a Pro­gressive Sabah with Progressive Citizens), is anchored on four pillars: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United.

The four pillars are translated into 16 development strategies covering economic growth, governance reform and social development.

Armizan also highlighted the coalition’s track record, where state revenue has grown from RM5.45bil in 2021 to RM6.84bil in 2024, a 90.5% increase compared with RM3.59bil in 2020 under the previous administration.

He said the coalition plans to increase annual revenue each year, aiming for at least RM10bil by 2030, while diversifying income through the blue economy, renewable energy and digital economy.

The manifesto also emphasises socioeconomic empowerment, including human capital development, job creation with decent income, basic infrastructure, affordable housing, social assistance and strengthened community unity.

The manifesto was officially launched by GRS chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

In his speech, Hajiji stressed that the manifesto was not only a declaration of intent but also a blueprint grounded in fiscal capability and past achievements.

“We have already delivered results under Sabah Maju Jaya 1.0, including record state revenue growth and reserve accumulation. This manifesto builds on that record,” he said.

He added that the manifesto also protects Sabah’s constitutio­nal rights, including the 40% ­entitlement revenue, and lays the foundation for financial independence and long-term development.