Kota kinabalu: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) manifesto for the 17th Sabah State Election is not merely a list of promises but represents a commitment to sustain the momentum of achievements made in the past five years. GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali emphasized that the party’s manifesto was formulated based on the foundations established during the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 roadmap from 2021 to 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Armizan, who is also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, asserted that the GRS manifesto takes into account the government’s ability to implement the proposed strategies, policies, and programs, particularly those tied to the state government’s financial strength. He noted the importance of avoiding promises that cannot be realized within a five-year administrative term, highlighting the necessity for accountability in political pledges.

Armizan cautioned against making enticing but unrealistic promises, as such practices could lead to the disappointment of the Sabah populace and erode their trust in governmental and democratic institutions. He stated that the manifesto serves as a pledge of accountability rather than mere sweet talk aimed at securing votes.

GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who also serves as the Sabah Chief Minister, launched the party’s manifesto on November 17. The manifesto is driven by four core pillars: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper, and Sabah United. These pillars will be translated into action through 16 strategies encompassing various development agendas, including economic growth, infrastructure, security, education, human capital development, environmental sustainability, and public well-being, as well as safeguarding Sabah’s constitutional rights.