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Daily Express
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
No ordinary election
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Hajiji said the PRN17 would serve as a decisive moment for Sabah's political future, emphasising that the development plans introduced by the current administration (GRS-PH Plus) is already yielding tangible economic benefits. Kota Kinabalu: The imminent PRN17 is no ordinary State election but one that will determine the next course for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and the future of Sabah and its people. GRS Chairman who is also the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor (pic) said the people must not gamble with their future by treating it as another election. 'It is also not like playing 'katam-katam' (dice games) or betting on four-digit lottery numbers! 'This (PRN17) is reality — a serious responsibility that will determine the future of our people, our state and the next generations,' he said. Hajiji who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) President said this in his policy speech at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Gagasan Rakyat, Sunday. It was attended by almost 10,000 delegates of Gagasan Rakyat. Among those present were former Chief Minister cum Parti Bersatu Rakyat (PBS) Premier Advisor Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, StarSabah Deputy President Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President cum former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) Deputy President Datuk Yong Chi Fui, PKR Sabah Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, DAP Sabah Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Upko Deputy President Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin and Sabah Amanah Chairman Datuk Lahirul Latigu. Hajiji said the PRN17 would serve as a decisive moment for Sabah's political future, emphasising that the development plans introduced by the current administration (GRS-PH Plus) is already yielding tangible economic benefits. 'This is our best opportunity to obtain the people's mandate and form a strong, stable state government. GRS has introduced development plans which are not empty slogans but have already shown tangible results, with positive economic growth in the State. 'To carry on with these development plans, we need a strong mandate from the people. Hence, the PRN17 is a golden opportunity that must not be missed,' he said. According to Hajiji, a victory for GRS in PRN17 would give them a stronger voice in efforts to develop Sabah. 'It will put us in a firmer position to assert and defend Sabah's rights. If we fail to form the State Government, we will have squandered a golden opportunity to place local political power at the forefront of Sabah's political landscape. 'If that happens, it is entirely possible that the well-functioning policies and development plans currently working well might be overturned or scrapped — just as these had happened before. And the ones who will suffer are the people, and the ones who will lose out are also the people of Sabah,' he said. 'When we formed the government nearly five years ago, we began our journey with clear determination and vision — like an architect building a palace with strong pillars and foundations. 'In that same spirit, we built our administration from the ground up based on the aspirations and values of grassroots communities, driven by the strength of local parties. We did not promise the moon and the stars — but we promised to do our very best for the people. Hajiji said he is optimistic that the people especially voters are wise in choosing who deserves to lead the state. 'I am positive and confident that based on our track record, the people (of Sabah) will again choose GRS to lead Sabah for the next five years. 'God willing, when we win, all our development plans can continue and be realized, ensuring continuity in administration and ongoing success,' he said. * 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
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ulu Padas Hydroelectric project proceeding smoothly
Nizam KOTA KINABALU (July 19: The 187.5-megawatt (MW) Ulu Padas Hydroelectric project (UPHEP) in Tenom is proceeding smoothly and barring any unforseen circumstances, it will be completed as scheduled. The detailed design for the UPHEP is nearing completion and several issues, especially relating to concerns initially raised by some 40 families living near the area had already been resolved. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan says he has been informed by a reliable source that officials from the company handling the project had on a number of occasions met with these families to allay their fears about the construction of the dam. These villagers who live nearby are satisfied and there had been no further objections. 'I have been assured there is no cause for worry . . . and everything is progressing smoothly,'says Nizam. Work on the 125-metre high roller compact concrete dam with a reservoir capacity of 25 million litres of water, is expected to begin later this year. The dam is located 9.3km away from the powerhouse where three 60MW Francis Type turbines will generate 187MW of electricity daily. And early this year, entrepreneur Tan Sri TC Goh had praised the state government for coming up with long-term solutions to the existing water and electricity issues. Goh who is a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC), especially cited the UPHEP in Tenom as the answer to the long- standing problem the current GRS-PH Plus government inherited after coming to power in 2020. In fact, a number of initiatives, he says, had already been implemented earlier to address supply disruptions before the UPHEP commences production. The UPHEP is scheduled for completion in December 2030. Goh who also heads the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and the Federal of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), says he is confident the UPHEP will proceed smoothly given the reputation and experience of the companies handling it. Meanwhile, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tandek chief Datuk Dr Janathan Kandok was quoted as saying the UPHEP spoke volumes of the genuine commitment to ensure long-term water and electricity availability. 'This project is not something the state government promises in view of the upcoming state election. And it is not something you heard from the grapevine. 'It was already launched two years ago, reflecting the farsightedness of the government in tackling issues faced by the people,' Dr Janathan said. Gamuda Berhad is the total development contractor (TDC) for this power project in partnership with Conlay Construction Sdn Bhd (Conlay). The UPHEP when completed, is expected to generate an average of 1,052GWh of clean energy yearly – hence, increasing Sabah's current dependable capacity by some 15 per cent. It will also double the renewable energy (RE) mix, supporting Sabah's goal of achieving approximately 35% RE share in its generation mix by 2035. The scope of work will include design, construction, testing and commissioning of the hydroelectric plant involving a roller-compacted concrete dam, a main and secondary powerhouse, water conveyance system, project access, and other permanent facilities such as a 275kV switchyard, 33kV sub-transmission line, workshop, among others. At the launch of the project in 2023, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor had expressed confidence that it would also resolve Sabah's water supply issue in the longer term. The dam is able to release up to 6,000 million litres of water daily. Kota Kinabalu residents only need to use about 500 to 600 million litres of water per day.
Daily Express
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Armizan: ties must be government-to-government
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: 'We've seen this happen in the decades-long delay of MA63 implementation, where party lines muted state demands,' said Armizan. Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Deputy Sec-Gen. Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali called for a structural rethinking of federal-state relations, saying Sabah's interests must be negotiated government-to-government and not through political party channels. 'The relationship between the federal and state governments must be inter-governmental, not intra-party,' Armizan stressed, in a pointed critique of how national political dominance can undermine state priorities. He said GRS does not reject cooperation with national parties, but believes local parties must lead the Sabah Government to safeguard state interests. 'Too often, when both levels of government are controlled by the same national party, state matters are first discussed behind closed party doors. This compromises Sabah's voice,' he said. He warned that intra-party negotiations can lead to federal interests being prioritised over regional concerns, especially when national party loyalty is seen as absolute. 'We've seen this happen in the decades-long delay of MA63 implementation, where party lines muted state demands,' said Armizan. Advertisement While he welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's more responsive stance on MA63, Armizan cautioned that state rights should not depend on the goodwill of individual leaders. 'Commitment can change with federal leadership. That's why we need a structural model that guarantees Sabah's interests will be respected, regardless of who is in power.' He reaffirmed GRS' core philosophy of Sabah First, emphasising that the state government must always place Sabah's agenda above all else. 'We do not oppose national interests, but let the federal government champion that. The state government must be led by local parties who understand and prioritise Sabah.' As Sabah gears up for its next state election, Armizan reiterated that GRS intends to lead the state administration. 'This election is about choosing the Sabah government. Let national parties lead Putrajaya. We will support and cooperate. But let local parties lead in Sabah,' he said. He also said GRS remains open to collaborating with national parties, including during the election, but on the understanding that local parties be given the space to contest and lead at the state level. "This is the model that currently defines the GRS-PH Plus cooperation, a federal coalition led by national parties, and a Sabah government grounded in local leadership,' he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Darau AGM on Sunday. Meanwhile, GRS direct member Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan urged Sabah leaders to move beyond internal political feuds and focus on a united vision for the state's future. 'We need to stop fighting. Sabahan leaders have been fighting among themselves for years. Why can't we stand together, be objective, and look ahead to Sabah's future especially for the next generation?' he asked. He was responding to certain leaders and the public who preferred to see GRS go solo at the polls, calling them to reflect on what Sabah truly needs. 'Do we want to keep fighting? Or do we want to bring Sabah to a higher level?' he said after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Moyog AGM in Penampang also on Sunday. * 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
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Armizan prioritizes MP duties over state seat bid in Sabah election
Armizan PAPAR (Apr 28): Papar Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said he will focus on being the MP of the constituency rather than contesting for a state seat in Papar in the coming Sabah State Elections. 'I am a first-term MP. Let me prove myself having being given the mandate to represent my voters in Parliament. 'I will focus on being the MP of Papar.' He also hoped that the state assemblymen in Papar would work closely with him. Armizan explained that his time is limited as he is also a federal minister (Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister), which requires him to serve in other states in West Malaysia. 'So I need a strong team and state assemblymen who can work closely with me to make changes and look into ideas and views that will advance the betterment of the rakyat in Papar,' he said in a press conference after launching Majestic Ballroom, situated above 10Star Cinemas at Parklane City, here on Monday. He also said that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) machinery in Papar is ready for the state election. He said the state assemblymen in Papar, namely Kawang assemblyman Datuk Seri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar and Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim are always on the ground with the people. 'We are only waiting for the time to activate election mode.' Armizan also said GRS-Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus administration should be respected as the unity government model in Sabahi. He said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 to form the unity government is a federal-level cooperation, which did not stipulate that the same formula must apply on states. He said no one had questioned the political composition in Johor and Sarawak. 'If we can respect the composition and form of cooperation in Johor and Sarawak, I think we can respect the cooperation in Sabah,' he said. Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, said the existing GRS-PH Plus cooperation was established after the formation of the unity government or Madani government. 'The unity government in Sabah is GRS-PH Plus, so we have to respect that is the unity government model at Sabah level.' Therefore, he concurred with the Chief Minister cum GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor's statement that any discussion on cooperation should begin with parties that formed the existing administration, namely GRS-PH Plus. He pointed out that those who said Sabah should follow the Federal Government's composition should have respected and uphold their commitment from the start. 'Why the attempt to topple the State Government then after the unity government was formed? There are certain quarters who tried to undermine Hajiji's leadership at that time. If you have shown respect (to uphold the unity government), there should not be any action to topple (Hajiji's administration).' Armizan said the GRS appreciates PH's commitment to maintain Hajiji's leadership as Chief Minister and for ensuring stability. In addition, he said the existing PH leaders, including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew and Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, work closely with GRS leaders for Sabah's development. He also expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for having done a lot more than the past administrations in realizing Sabah's rights and interests. He said the discussion on cooperation should be based on mutual understanding.
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS-PH Plus government delivering real development, welfare initiatives: CM
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji signing a plaque to symbolise the launch of Sook's upgrade to full district status. - Pic by CMD SOOK: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the GRS-PH Plus government has not only planned but also implemented numerous initiatives to drive economic development and improve the people's welfare. He dismissed opposition claims that the government has failed to bring development, citing education aid schemes such as Budi, Bakti, Baik, GRS-Subfly, and Sentosa among 13 initiatives supporting students from B40 families. Among other efforts, Hajiji highlighted the construction of 3,000 Rumah Mesra SMJ units across all constituencies, the new Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (Syukur) cash aid programme, and major water, electricity, and infrastructure projects underway across the state. He said four out of 16 Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1A packages have been completed, alongside key projects in Sook, including tarred roads, new schools, upgraded health clinics, and housing assistance benefiting hundreds of residents. Hajiji stressed that more developments are planned for Sook, including a sports complex, a new hospital, a district police station, and expanded health facilities, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing Sabah's equitable progress. He made these remarks during the launch ceremony for Sook's upgrade to full district status on Monday. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
