Kota kinabalu: Pakatan Harapan (PH) today launched its manifesto for the 17th Sabah state election, focusing on core issues to be implemented through bolder and more radical approaches. Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud emphasized that the manifesto, ‘Komitmen Pakatan Harapan Sabah’ (Sabah Pakatan Harapan’s Commitment), outlines a list of priorities comprising seven key agendas aimed at ensuring Sabahans enjoy the progress they deserve.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha stated that ‘Sabah Pakatan Harapan is not promising the impossible. We are being very practical. This commitment is based on the real aspirations of Sabah, which wants to experience the level of development it should rightfully enjoy,’ he said during the manifesto launch. Present at the event were Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and Sabah Amanah chairman Datuk Lahirul Latigu.
Mustapha highlighted that the manifesto’s priority list includes 10 key areas, which will be funded through the return of 40 percent of Sabah’s revenue. ‘Sabah PH has taken the position that it is ready to manage the return of Sabah’s 40 percent entitlement,’ he explained. The manifesto focuses on resolving longstanding issues involving water, roads, and electricity infrastructure, improving education, social welfare, and driving the state’s economic growth.
The manifesto also sets forth seven agendas to guide the next five years, including ensuring Sabah’s rights are not compromised, strengthening accountability and integrity, and implementing administrative reforms. Other agendas focus on positioning youths as key assets, driving high-value industries, empowering women, and elevating Sabah as an influential regional player.
Mustapha stressed the need for a ‘business not as usual’ approach to administration to enable Sabah to emerge as a respected regional player. He expressed confidence that Sabah’s rights would continue to be protected under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. ‘After five decades, only one Prime Minister has been willing to resolve issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and that is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,’ he noted.
He added that the dynamic manifesto is open to further improvements and encouraged the public to review the complete document online. In the upcoming election, PH will contest 21 of the 73 state seats, with candidates comprising 12 from PKR, eight from DAP, and one from Amanah. Polling is scheduled for November 29, with early voting on November 25.