KOTA KINABALU, Oct 19 — The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has proven its capability and efficiency in driving Sabah towards remarkable achievements over the past five years of its administration.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan has been the key foundation for these successes, which include the state recording its highest-ever revenue collection and strong growth in the industrial, tourism and agricultural sectors.
“At the same time, various educational and human capital development initiatives have been strengthened, while welfare assistance has been expanded to ensure the wellbeing of the people of Sabah continues to be protected,” he said when launching the GRS election machinery at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Sunday.
Hajiji, who is also the GRS chairman, said the State Government remains committed to addressing fundamental issues affecting the people, such as water supply, roads and electricity.
He said 18 water projects are currently being implemented across the state, including the Tawau Water Dam Project, the Kogopon 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA) in Papar, and the Kabang Intake Upgrade Project, all expected to be completed next year.
“The State Government is not only maintaining and implementing state roads but is also working closely with the Federal Government to ensure the maintenance of federal roads and the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway proceeds according to schedule,” he said, adding that Phase 1B of the project is actively being implemented under the GRS administration.
In the energy sector, Hajiji said the State Government has taken proactive measures by initiating the Ulu Padas Hydropower Dam Project in Tenom, while the RM765 million Southern Link Project announced by the Prime Minister will help ensure energy efficiency in Sabah’s East Coast.
“The GRS Government expresses its appreciation to the Prime Minister for his continuous support of Sabah, including in the ongoing efforts to uphold the state’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.
Hajiji also highlighted Sabah’s milestone achievement in entering the oil and gas sector through the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas, which has opened greater opportunities for the state to participate directly in the industry’s value chain.
“With this agreement, Sabah no longer relies solely on royalties and sales tax but also enjoys direct revenue, job opportunities, and economic spillovers through the participation of local companies in the oil and gas sector,” he explained.
He dismissed the opposition’s claims that the GRS government had failed to govern the state as baseless and merely an attempt to mislead the public.
“Have we failed with the record and achievements we have attained? Have we failed when we have done our utmost for the people of Sabah?” he asked.
Among other major accomplishments, Hajiji said the GRS Government has successfully distributed tens of thousands of land titles to residents under the PANTAS programme and gazetted dozens of villages as village reserves across the state.
He added that the opposition, on the other hand, had failed to govern effectively during its time in power and is now making unrealistic promises, including claims that it could solve the water issue within a year and produce 50,000 engineers in a short period.
“The people are now wiser in assessing who truly can govern and who merely spreads rhetoric and political promises.
“Stop peddling promises that only deceive a people yearning for real solutions. Don’t be political shamans — full of incantations but bringing no cure,” he said. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail – Malaysia
