GRS proposes two-term limit for Sabah CM, eyes big win to push reform
PAPAR (July 17): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has had its first meeting to draft its manifesto for the upcoming Sabah state election, which includes to limit the chief minister's tenure to two consecutive terms.
GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said he was entrusted by the coalition's chairman cum Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor to chair the task force responsible for formulating the election manifesto and the first meeting comprising representatives from the eight component parties was held on Tuesday night.
He said the manifesto consists of two components – the first highlights the efforts and determination in the four pillars of GRS' of struggle, namely Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United.
The second component outlines GRS' achievements for the past five years and work in progress, he said.
Armizan, who is also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living and Member of Parliament for Papar, said that after launching 10 Star Film Community and the movie premiere of Impak Maksima 2 at the Majestic Ballroom in Parklane City here on Wednesday.
He said the coalition had implemented the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 1.0 since it was given the mandate by the people to form the State Government in 2020.
He said the manifesto will demonstrate GRS' commitment in walking the talk and the works that are in progress.
For example, Armizan said under the Sabah United pillar, efforts are not only focused on creating a united society, but also on the commitment of all Sabahans to build better governance.
'One of the key points under this initiative is to set a limit of two consecutive terms for the chief minister's tenure.
'This proposal was decided by the GRS-PH Plus State Cabinet in December 2023.
'This reform requires an amendment to the State Constitution, which must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the State Assembly members.
'Therefore, GRS needs a major victory that exceeds a two-thirds majority in the upcoming state election to ensure that this initiative in the manifesto can be passed in the State Legislative Assembly.'
Armizan said the proposal was well received by the component parties in GRS.
On another note, Armizan commended 10Star Cinemas for its 10 Star Film Community initiative, which includes CineRity charity programme, CineTalk sharing session, CineWaness awareness programme, CineFilm on film distribution and CineShort on short film screenings.
He said the initiatives could help develop the creative industry in Malaysia, especially Sabah, as well as providing a platform for talents in the state.
He said Sabah has major potential in the creative industry due to our local talents, unique cultures and natural resources which should be leveraged with strategic development plans with stakeholders with the experience and expertise.
He said 10Star Cinemas could be one of the State Government's stakeholders to develop the creative industry in Sabah, given their investments in the state.
'10Star Cinemas currently operates six cinemas in Sabah, while two new cinemas in Kinarut and Kundasang will be opened soon.'
He said the investments by the cinema in Sabah, which surpassed RM100 million, shows their commitment and confidence in the state.
Armizan said he would convey the proposals by 10Star Cinemas and industry players on developing the creative industry to the State Government and relevant ministry.
He said the premiere of Impak Maksima 2 at 10Star Cinemas in Papar shows that the district has potential for the development of creative industry.
He proposed that a creative industry hub be set up in Sabah, such as at the soon-to-be-built Sabah Cultural Complex in Kinarut.
'We need a creative industry hub in Sabah and I would love for the centre to be in Papar.'
Also present was 10Star Cinemas Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Onn Norshal Hamzah.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Bung: Sabah Umno won't be rushed into alliances without clear strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Despite having the autonomy to decide, Sabah Barisan-Umno will not rush into forming alliances with any party or coalition without a clear and well-defined strategy ahead of the state election, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. The Sabah Umno chief said the party is mature enough that it will not panic and make hasty decisions like their opponents. 'Sabah Barisan-Umno has autonomy, yes, but we are also mature. We understand the meaning of unity, not only at the federal level but also at the state level. We are not hasty in announcing something without strategy. 'We do not follow the panicked rhythm of our opponents — those who argued yesterday, pose for photos together today, and return to backstabbing each other tomorrow,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 6). Bung Moktar was responding to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice-president Arthur Sen's recent statement, who criticised Bung Moktar for using PBS as a political provocation, calling his conduct childish and unfounded. 'He (Bung) acted like a child… saying he does not want to work with PBS. But when did PBS apply to work with you?' Arthur was quoted as saying. Bung Moktar said he was amused by Arthur's remark, stressing that Barisan-Umno knows what it is doing and does not need any party, including PBS, to offer unsolicited advice. 'We know when to act, who to work with, and when to stand on our own. We have been consistent from the beginning — we don't want to work with parties that lack dignity, are insincere, and have a history of betraying their fellow comrades. 'Sabah Umno has had enough experience of being stabbed in the back, and this time, we will not turn back,' he said. 'We are not sulking. We are not threatening. We are preparing.' Bung said the GRS-led government has failed to deliver on basic needs, with unresolved water issues, unreliable electricity even in towns, and worsening roads. He added that the economy remained weak, investors are pulling back, and young people are leaving the state. 'GRS is not a unity government — it's a government in panic, scrambling for new alliances and trading principles just to stay in power,' he said.
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Masiung: Frequent government changes hindering Sabah's progress
Masiung (right) receiving a souvenir from Tongod District Officer, Mohd Yuseri Yusof. TONGOD (Aug 6): The frequent changes of government in Sabah are a major factor behind the state's underdevelopment, as they disrupt and hinder the implementation of planned or ongoing development programmes. Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah said political instability caused by government transitions often results in the failure or delay of important initiatives. He made the remarks during his keynote address at the 2025 Kuamut State Assemblyman Gathering held here recently. According to Masiung, Sabahans should emulate the Sarawakian mindset of prioritising political stability to ensure sustainable development. 'People in Sabah often compare our development progress with that of Sarawak. To match them, we must adopt their attitude of maintaining political continuity,' he said. 'Imagine a five-year development plan being disrupted midway because the government changes. Along with the Chief Minister, department heads and civil servants are replaced, and new policies are introduced. Before any progress can be made, another change happens, and we're back to square one. In the end, it's the people who suffer.' He noted that Sabah has had 16 Chief Ministers over the past 60 years due to frequent government changes, compared to just six in Sarawak. In Sarawak, he said, leadership changes typically occur only due to the end of a term or the passing of a Chief Minister, while the ruling coalition remains intact. Masiung cited the Pan Borneo Highway as an example. Although funds were allocated to both Sabah and Sarawak at the same time by the federal government, Sarawak has completed its portion, while Sabah continues to lag behind after the project passed through three different state governments. He stressed that such instability does not affect political leaders or elected representatives, who continue receiving their salaries regardless of the outcome. 'It is the people of Sabah who suffer the most — especially those who are quick to criticise and easily swayed by unverified social media reports,' he added.
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Daily Express
More opportunities the past five years
Published on: Wednesday, August 06, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Esther Glorie Leow Text Size: Phoong said the entry of investors was not solely about industrial growth, but also about delivering direct benefits to the local workforce. Kota Kinabalu: The surge in industrial development and investment in Sabah over the past five years has significantly expanded employment opportunities for people in the State, said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, both foreign and domestic investment in Sabah have seen notable growth, driving the State's economic progress and enabling the establishment of new factories and industrial ventures. Advertisement 'Over the past five years, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, we've seen a strong rise in investments. But what does that mean for the people? It means we're creating job opportunities for Sabahans,' he said at the State-level Trade Union Day held at International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) here Monday. Phoong said the entry of investors was not solely about industrial growth, but also about delivering direct benefits to the local workforce. 'We've seen factories opening, investors coming in, and this is all about creating opportunities for the people of Sabah. We're committed to developing more industries because we want our youths to have jobs right here in their home state,' he added. The Minister emphasised that supporting workers and strengthening the State's economy are not conflicting goals but rather mutually reinforcing. Advertisement '(Human Resources Minister) Steven Sim often jokes that I take care of employers. But the truth is, ensuring employers make a profit is also part of protecting the welfare of workers. 'If employers succeed and businesses thrive, then workers must also benefit through better salaries and secure employment. This is the win-win situation we're striving for,' he said. He also expressed full support for the Federal Government's worker-centred policies and urged Sabahans to continue backing both the Federal and State administrations for shared progress and prosperity. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
