Tuaran: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) requires a new mandate from the people to proceed with development initiatives in Sabah, aiming to elevate the state to the level of other regions, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who also serves as the GRS chairman, stated that the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 policy has established a strong foundation to propel Sabah into becoming a leading and esteemed state within the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, over the past five years, the GRS-led state government has achieved numerous milestones through the Hala Tuju SMJ development plan. The government has focused on enhancing the well-being of the people, striving to uplift the living standards of the impoverished and improve the education of children in Sabah. Hajiji highlighted an initiative to provide RM300 per month to approximately 100,000 heads of hardcore poor households listed on the e-Kasih database, commencing this year, which is unprecedented for the government.

Furthermore, the state government plans to offer 40 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ for free in each state constituency to those in need, in contrast to previous efforts where only four such houses were available under the Poor People’s Housing Programme (PPRT) in each constituency. Hajiji emphasized the importance of the upcoming state election, urging voters not to err in selecting the new state government, as GRS has demonstrated its effectiveness through a transparent agenda and dedication.

“We are not a government that only knows how to talk, lie, and promise the moon and stars,” asserted Hajiji, who is also contesting for the Sulaman seat. He acknowledged the uniqueness of this election, with 596 candidates vying for 73 seats, but affirmed it as a part of the democratic process, expressing confidence in the electorate’s prudent decision-making.

Meanwhile, Hajiji mentioned that the GRS Sulaman election machinery is well-prepared to tackle the election challenges. “As I said earlier, I want them to go to the field to meet and explain the contributions, achievements, and plans of GRS to all voters. The same instructions have also been given to the party machinery in other areas,” he concluded.