Latest news with #SMJ1.0
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
GRS to pursue two-term cap on Chief Minister's tenure
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: PAPAR: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government will pursue its proposal to limit the Chief Minister's tenure to two consecutive terms if its mandate is renewed in the coming state election (PRN17). GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the proposal was approved, in principle, at the State Cabinet level under the GRS-Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus government in December 2023. However, it could not be tabled for constitutional amendment due to lack of a strong majority in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN). Advertisement 'Previously, we did not have a stable number of seats to amend the Sabah Constitution which requires two-third majority for the proposal to be passed. 'So, during the process of drafting this Bill we decided to table it once we receive a fresh mandate. 'Therefore, GRS is hoping for a bigger win or two-thirds majority in PRN17. This commitment will be the first initiative we will carry out once we are entrusted with the people's confidence,' he said. Armizan, who is also Member of Parliament for Papar, was commenting on issues discussed in the first meeting which he chaired with representatives of eight component parties of GRS to shape the framework of the GRS Manifesto and to refine the record of five year journey under the SMJ Roadmap. He was speaking at a press conference after the launching of the 10 Star Film Community and the premiere of a box office movie Impak Maksima 2 at Majestic Ballroom of a cinema in Parklane City, Benoni here, Wednesday. Also present were 10STAR Cinemas Sdn Bhd CEO Onn Norshal Hamzah, Impak Maksima 2 director Datuk Ahmad Idham, and WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong. Armizan said the manifesto would have two components. The first is to highlight efforts and determine the four pillar of GRS struggles – Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United. The second is GRS' achievements for the past five years under Sabah Maju Jaya 1.0 (SMJ 1.0) Roadmap as well as the remaining ones (initiatives, efforts and policies) that are in progress. 'GRS has implemented SMJ 1.0 when it was given the mandate by 5the people to form the Sabah government in General Election 2020. 'These achievements will be presented under two categories: first, 'walk the talk' —fulfilling promises made by GRS — and second, 'work in progress' — promises that have already been acted on but not yet completed. 'We will present all of GRS's accomplishments over the past five years under the SMJ 1.0 agenda, and at the same time share the ongoing efforts that are still in progress,' he said. For example, Armizan said the 'Sabah United' pillar not only focused on fostering unity but also ensuring a stronger commitment to good governance from all levels of society. He said under the 'Sabah United' is to set a limit of two consecutive terms for the Chief Minister's tenure under the GRS's Manifesto for PRN17. In addition, he said the proposal also included a situation where the same leader can be elected as the Chief Minister again after a break of one term after serving two consecutive terms. * 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
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
GRS Supreme Council meeting to decide whether to go solo
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Earlier at the convention, Hajiji pointed out Sabah's notable economic recovery since GRS took power in September 2020, when the State faced 'the worst economic situation in its history'. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said his ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition will decide at its Supreme Council meeting whether to go solo in the coming state election. When pressed after officiating the inaugural Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) convention at the Hongkod Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association, Saturday, on when this decision would be made, he said: 'Wait lah.' Supporters from both PBS and Star chanted 'solo, solo, solo' as Hajiji was giving his speech at the convention. He said the calls were a very good sign for unity within GRS and that the local spirit is very high. On whether he would serve out his full term with just four months left before the state election must be held, he said: 'Do not ask me that. We will think about it. 'We in GRS, any decision must be made through the coalition's Supreme Council. 'When I want to dissolve, I will inform all my colleagues, the party presidents when to dissolve. It is done on consensus, even though it is the Chief Minister's prerogative to advise the Head of State, but we cannot sideline our friends in the coalition,' he said. Earlier at the convention, Hajiji pointed out Sabah's notable economic recovery since GRS took power in September 2020, when the State faced 'the worst economic situation in its history'. 'With careful planning and implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ 1.0) policy direction, we not only succeeded in restoring it but also boosted the State's economic performance to a very impressive level,' he said. He pointed out Sabah's Gross Domestic Product, which grew to RM84.3 billion in 2024 from RM83.2 billion in 2023. Additionally, the State revenue collection for 2022, 2023 and 2024 nearly reached RM7 billion, compared to just RM3.59 billion in 2020. On top of that, the Sabah Government's reserves now stand at RM8.6 billion, while domestic and foreign investments brought into Sabah since 2021 total RM35.38 billion. 'All of this is a healthy economic indicator and proof of the capability and excellence of the State Government led by GRS. No one can deny it. Only the opposition chooses to close their eyes and deny these facts,' Hajiji said. He said Sabah can turn into a more advanced, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious State if GRS continues receiving the people's mandate. 'We will ensure all development plans that have been outlined can be fully implemented from the city to the interior. 'The Sabah Maju Jaya policy is not just a document but a long-term strategic plan covering human resource development, natural resource management and administrative efficiency.' He acknowledged that despite economic success, the GRS continues to face ongoing challenges from opposition parties envious of the coalition's achievements. 'They will not stop. They are jealous of our success. They want to see us fail, be weak and fall,' he said, describing opposition tactics as including false propaganda, deception and slander. 'Our house, we protect. GRS is our house, our place of shelter and the organising of our struggle. If we do not take care of it, who else can we count on?' he said. At the PBS-Star convention, Hajiji said it is a historic moment in strengthening local political consensus, with the close cooperation between the two local parties showing political maturity that puts Sabah's interests above ideological differences. 'This convention not only shows the spirit of unity among local parties with their history and principles but also proves that GRS is capable of going further as a political coalition that truly represents the aspirations of the people of Sabah,' 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
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: GRS can propel Sabah to greater heights
Hajiji (fourth right) officiating the closing gimmick of the PBS-STAR 2025 Convention. PENAMPANG (July 12): Sabah has the potential to transform into a more developed, prosperous, peaceful and harmonious state if the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) continues to be given the mandate in the upcoming 17th State Election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He stressed that in nearly five years of leading the State Government, various significant achievements have been realised — including the recovery of Sabah's economy and a notable increase in investments and state revenue. 'When we took over the state administration in September 2020, Sabah was facing the worst economic situation in its history. 'However, through careful planning and the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan (SMJ 1.0), we not only managed to revive the economy but also elevated Sabah's performance to an impressive level,' said the GRS chairman when officiating the closing of the PBS-STAR Convention 2025 at Hongkod Koisaan, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here today. According to Hajiji, one of GRS's key achievements is the rise in Sabah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which increased to RM84.3 billion in 2024 from RM83.2 billion in 2023. 'State revenue collection for three consecutive years — 2022, 2023 and 2024 — has reached almost RM7 billion, compared to only RM3.59 billion in 2020. The State Government's reserves now stand at RM8.6 billion. Domestic and foreign investments brought into Sabah since 2021 amount to RM35.38 billion. 'All these are indicators of a healthy economy and proof of the capability and excellence of the GRS-led State Government. No one can deny this — only the opposition chooses to close their eyes to these facts,' he said. Hajiji added that GRS is not only focused on driving economic growth but is also committed to completing basic infrastructure projects, eradicating hardcore poverty, and improving the wellbeing of the people. 'God willing, if GRS continues to be given the mandate, we will ensure that all the planned development programmes are fully implemented — from urban centres to the rural interior,' he said. He further emphasised that the SMJ Development Plan is not just a document but a comprehensive long-term strategy encompassing human capital, natural resource management, and administrative efficiency. 'With strong political will, coupled with an improving economic climate and the political stability we have fought for since 2020, I am confident Sabah will progress far ahead as a developed, peaceful and prosperous state,' he added. Hajiji also reminded all GRS leaders and members to remain steadfast in defending the coalition's mission, especially in the face of opposition slanders and attempts to weaken its political strength. He said the success of the GRS administration has made the opposition uneasy, prompting them to launch continuous attacks and spread falsehoods against the government and its leaders. 'They will not stop. They are jealous of what we have achieved. They want us to fail, weaken and fall. 'Therefore, I remind you — our house must be protected by us. GRS is our house, our shelter, and the foundation of our struggle. If we don't defend it, who will?' he said. Meanwhile, Hajiji described the PBS-STAR 2025 Convention as a historic moment that strengthens local political consensus and signals that GRS is ready to face the 17th State Election with a united and credible leadership team. He said the close cooperation between Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) represents political maturity and the prioritisation of Sabah's welfare over ideological differences. 'This convention demonstrates the unity among local parties with distinct histories and principles, and proves that GRS is capable of advancing as a political coalition that truly represents the aspirations of the people of Sabah,' he said.
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
‘High jobless rate shows SMJ 1.0 not reaching the people'
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: [] Text Size: Suhaimi also pointed out that although RM1.33 billion was spent on human capital and over 160 TVET centres were aligned, graduates are still struggling to find employment. Kota Kinabalu: Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir raised concerns over Sabah's high unemployment rate despite the State Government claiming a 94 per cent success rate for its flagship Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ 1.0) development plan. Suhaimi, who is also a Nominated Assemblyman, said the reality on the ground tells a different story, with Sabah recording the highest unemployment rate in the country at 7.7 per cent — more than 169,800 people without jobs. 'This isn't political spin. These are figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia,' he said in a statement on Tuesday, pointing out that Sabah's jobless rate is more than double the national average and higher than in states like Sarawak, Kelantan, and Kedah. While the government reported billions in investments and over 400 projects under SMJ 1.0, Suhaimi questioned how many actual jobs were created for Sabahans, especially the youth. He also pointed out that although RM1.33 billion was spent on human capital and over 160 TVET centres were aligned, graduates are still struggling to find employment. 'People can't feed their families with percentages. They need real jobs and income,' he said, urging for an independent audit of SMJ 1.0 to see if it has truly helped the people or if it just looks good on paper. 'Sabahans are aware of what's happening in their own homes and villages. Development must reach them — not just in reports,' he added. Earlier in the day, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan told the State Assembly that 366 out of 467 initiatives under SMJ 1.0 had been completed as of May this year, covering areas like housing, health, education, and job creation. – AJ * 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
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Libaran MP questions high unemployment numbers as Sabah govt lauds SMJ's 94% success rate
Datuk Suhaimi Nasir questions the effectiveness of SMJ 1.0, citing Sabah's high unemployment rate despite the state's claim of 94% success. KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah MP has questioned the state government's claim of a 94% success rate for its Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, pointing to the state's unemployment rate, which remains the highest in the country at 7.7%. Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, who is both Libaran MP and a nominated assemblyman, said the figure, which translates to more than 169,800 jobless people, was not just political rhetoric but based on official data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia. 'This is more than twice the national average of 3.2%, and even higher than states like Sarawak (3.3%), Kelantan (3.8%), and Kedah (1.7%),' he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 8). 'If SMJ 1.0 really achieved 94% success, why are our people still struggling to find jobs?' he asked. Suhaimi acknowledged state claims of economic growth and RM35bil in investments brought into Sabah, along with over 400 projects, but questioned the actual impact on employment. 'The people want to know how many real jobs were created, and how many of our youths have secured permanent employment through these projects,' he said. He also highlighted the RM1.33bil reportedly spent on human capital development and the establishment of over 160 coordinated TVET centres, asking why Sabah graduates were still unemployed. '94% completion means nothing if people are still poor and jobless,' he said. 'People do not live on statistics. They need employment, stable income, and a future for their children,' he added. Suhaimi called for an independent audit of SMJ 1.0 to determine if the plan has truly benefited the people, proposing that it be conducted by a professional and transparent body, not a government agency. Earlier on Tuesday, the state assembly heard that from housing and healthcare to job creation and student aid, SMJ 1.0 has delivered significant results, with 94% of its initiatives now implemented. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan told the state assembly that 366 out of 467 initiatives under the plan had been completed as of May this year.
