KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) election manifesto has drawn attention from voters and industry leaders alike, praised for restoring Sabah's rights, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting long-term economic growth.
For Norbeth Antalik, 42, a self-employed man from Kampung Kuyungon, Tambunan, the manifesto's emphasis on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the return of the 40 per cent special grant was particularly compelling.
He said GRS' pledge to uphold Sabah's legal rights through MA63 and the revenue entitlement reflected a strong push for greater state autonomy.
"The first two points in the Sabah First pillar of the manifesto stood out the most, as they represent issues Sabahans have long hoped to see resolved.
"Although many elected representatives have raised these matters over the years, none has managed to deliver meaningful progress," he said.
FOUR-PILLAR MANIFESTO UNDER 'RUMAH KITA, KITA JAGA'
Last week, GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor unveiled the manifesto themed "Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga", aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap.
The manifesto is anchored on four pillars: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United, which together frame the coalition's political direction.
Central to the document is the long-standing push to restore Sabah's constitutional rights under MA63, particularly the return of the 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
It also outlines economic plans aimed at boosting state revenue, including diversification into renewable energy, the blue economy, digital industries and carbon trading.
Governance reforms are proposed, such as limiting the Chief Minister to two terms.
SOCIAL UNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Social unity and inclusivity form another key component, with commitments to strengthen community cohesion and improve welfare, infrastructure, education and environmental management.
Freelance writer Nova Renata Piusai said the next government should place stronger emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, noting that recurrent floods were symptoms of deeper problems linked to unsustainable development and deforestation.
"The manifesto needs to take into consideration sustainability and environmental issues such as unsustainable development and deforestation.
"A more sustainability-centric Sabah will positively impact its livelihood and economy in the long term," she said.
VILLAGERS EMPHASISE INFRASTRUCTURE AND BASIC SERVICES
Infrastructure also emerged as a priority for local residents. Felicia Puji, 46, from Limbahau in Papar, said maintaining and upgrading roads is crucial for farmers transporting their produce to market.
She also called for broader internet connectivity and more assistance for the underprivileged and sick in her village.
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE: INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH
Industry leaders welcomed the manifesto's economic and infrastructure focus.
Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah chapter president Datuk Dexter Lau said the manifesto demonstrates a clear understanding that economic rejuvenation and infrastructure improvement must take centre stage.
He highlighted the emphasis on water, electricity, roads and communications, describing them as fundamental to Sabah's economic future.
"These are essential for Sabah to compete with other states and regions, and to attract investors. My hope is that these improvements will be prioritised," he said.
Lau noted the manifesto's strong focus on emerging sectors, including the blue and green economies, shows that Sabah's leadership understands the direction needed to move the state forward.
He urged political parties to minimise excessive politicking and concentrate on strengthening Sabah's competitiveness through infrastructure and human capital development.
"Competitiveness involves infrastructure, human capital and the overall well-being of the people. We want Sabahans to become a capable and employable population so they do not need to rely solely on the state for jobs," he said, adding that Sabahans should gain experience abroad and later return to contribute to the state.
UNITY AND OPENNESS ESSENTIAL FOR GROWTH
Lau welcomed the manifesto's unity elements, saying they would help preserve Sabah's cultural identity and social harmony.
"We can be proud Sabahans, but we must remember our population is only about three to four million. For growth, we must remain open and welcoming to investors and talent from outside," he said.
Lau said the next state government, regardless of who forms it, must swiftly translate the manifesto's goals into actionable policies.
He encouraged the incoming administration to work with civil society, NGOs, chambers and other stakeholders to transform manifesto ideas into a comprehensive development blueprint for Sabah.
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