A transformed Sabah if GRS is Given the Mandate

12 July 2025

PENAMPANG: Sabah has the potential to be transformed into a more developed, prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious state, provided the people continue to place their trust in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the upcoming 17th State Election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji stressed that nearly five years of GRS-led state administration have yielded substantial achievements, including economic recovery, increased investments, and a significant boost in state revenue.

“When we took over the state government in September 2020, Sabah was facing the worst economic crisis in its history,” he said.

“But through careful planning and the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 roadmap, we not only managed to revive the economy but also propelled its performance to a highly commendable level.”

The GRS Chairman made these remarks while officiating the closing of the 2025 PBS-STAR Convention at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), on Saturday.

Among the state government’s key achievements under GRS, Hajiji highlighted the increase in Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to RM84.3 billion in 2024, up from RM83.2 billion in 2023. He also noted that for three consecutive years, 2022, 2023, and 2024, state revenue collection approached RM7 billion, compared to just RM3.59 billion in 2020.

Additionally, the state's reserves now stand at RM8.6 billion. Since 2021, domestic and foreign investments totalling RM35.38 billion have flowed into Sabah.

“These are healthy economic indicators and proof of the GRS government's competence and excellence in governance. No one can deny this, only the opposition chooses to close their eyes to the facts,” he added.

According to Hajiji, GRS is not only capable of driving economic growth but is also committed to delivering basic infrastructure development, eradicating hardcore poverty, and improving the well-being of all Sabahans.

“God willing, if GRS is given a fresh mandate in the next state election, we will ensure that all planned development initiatives are fully implemented, from urban centres to the rural heartlands,” he said.

He also stressed that the SMJ Development Roadmap is not just a document but a comprehensive long-term strategic plan, encompassing human capital development, resource management, and efficient governance.

“With strong political will, a steadily improving economy, and the political stability we’ve worked hard to build since 2020, I am confident Sabah is on track to become a developed, peaceful, and prosperous state,” he said.

Hajiji also reminded all GRS leaders and members to remain steadfast in defending the coalition’s vision against future challenges, opposition attacks, and hidden agendas aimed at undermining its political strength.

He said GRS’s track record has unsettled the opposition, who continue to launch destructive political attacks, including spreading misinformation, falsehoods, and slander against the government and its leaders.

“They will not stop. They are envious and resentful of what we’ve achieved. They want us to fail, to weaken, and to fall. That’s why I remind you—this is our house, and we must protect it. GRS is our home, our refuge, and the platform from which we fight. If we don’t defend it ourselves, who else can we rely on?” he said.

He also described the 2025 PBS-STAR Convention as a historic moment that further strengthens local political unity and sends a clear message that GRS is ready to face the 17th State Election with a strong, united, and credible leadership lineup.

According to him, the close cooperation between the two local parties, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), is a testament to political maturity that places the interests of the people and the state above ideological differences.

“This convention not only reflects the spirit of unity among local parties with distinct histories and principles, but also proves that GRS is capable of advancing further as a political coalition that truly represents the aspirations of the people of Sabah,” he concluded.