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New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
GRS pushes 2-term limit for Sabah CM in bold governance reform
PAPAR: A proposal to introduce a two-term limit for the Chief Minister of Sabah is among the key initiatives outlined in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) election manifesto. GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative fell under the 'Sabah United' pillar — one of four central pillars of the manifesto, alongside 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Forward', and 'Sabah Prosper'. He said the move not only aimed at promoting unity among Sabahans but also reflected a collective commitment to strengthening governance in the state. "This proposal was agreed upon by the GRS state cabinet in collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus in December 2023. The reform would require an amendment to the State Constitution, which in turn needs a two-thirds majority support in the State Legislative Assembly. "As such, GRS must secure a convincing victory exceeding the two-thirds threshold in the upcoming state election (PRN) to ensure this manifesto pledge can be realised in a future sitting of the assembly (DUN)," he said. Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister said the manifesto was still being refined and has yet to be finalised. "We are currently in the early stages of developing its framework. We've invited all component parties within GRS and PH Plus to submit proposals. Each party will further fine-tune their inputs based on the four key pillars, before they are consolidated and presented at the GRS Supreme Council meeting," he told a press conference after officiating the Sabah Short Film Commercial Screening and the premiere of Impak Maksima 2 at 10Star Cinemas, Parklane City Benoni, yesterday. Armizan also said that he had chaired the first meeting with representatives from all GRS component parties to discuss the formation of a special task force to draft the manifesto. "GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor entrusted me to lead this task force, which includes representatives from all component parties. "Our meeting on Tuesday went smoothly. While the final draft will be submitted for the leadership's consideration, I can share that the GRS manifesto will comprise two main components. "The first component focuses on initiatives structured around the four core pillars — 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Forward', 'Sabah Prosper' and 'Sabah United'. "The second component reflects the resolve and commitment of GRS to deliver on its promises," he added.
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS-PH alliance built on stability, not corruption fears - Norazlinah
Norazlinah KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Kunak assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif has dismissed as baseless and malicious the claim by Kota Belud member of parliament Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) allied with Pakatan Harapan (PH) because it was 'forced to' due to corruption scandals. She described the allegation that GRS continued its collaboration with PH merely to shield leaders involved in court cases as a desperate attempt by the opposition to gain political mileage by sowing distrust among the people. 'I strongly refute Munirah's statement linking the GRS-PH cooperation to alleged corruption cases. Such accusations are not only irresponsible but also an insult to the political maturity of the GRS leadership, especially Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor,' she said in a statement today. Norazlinah stressed that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH was not formed under duress, but built on solidarity, mutual trust, and the need to ensure continued political stability in Sabah. 'We cannot deny PH's role in standing firmly behind the state government during the attempted power grab known as the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident. Without their support and trust at that time, the GRS government might have fallen,' she said. 'This is not about any 'cases' or being 'forced'. It is about acknowledging their contribution and protecting the state's stability.' She described the GRS-PH collaboration as a manifestation of mature politics and gratitude — qualities she said were lacking in Parti Warisan, which had previously allied with PH during the 2020 state election but chose to contest alone in the 15th General Election (GE15). 'What happened in GE15 clearly shows that the people do not support opportunistic politics. Warisan only won three parliamentary seats, which is a clear signal that the people reject a party that fails to build alliances and focuses solely on its own agenda,' she added. Addressing the two GRS assemblymen currently facing court cases related to mineral license applications, Norazlinah urged all parties not to politicise the issue. 'Court cases should not be used as tools for slander or to create false perceptions. Every accused person has the right to defend themselves, and we must respect the legal process. GRS has never obstructed or interfered with judicial matters,' she said. She expressed confidence that the GRS-PH cooperation would continue to benefit the people of Sabah and play a vital role in the upcoming state election, adding that GRS would remain the leading force in championing the 'Sabah First' agenda. 'We are confident that GRS will continue to lead the state government. We do not just want to win — we want to ensure the ongoing fight to uphold Sabah's rights within the Federation continues through a stronger and more inclusive platform,' she said. Norazlinah also criticised Isnaraissah's claim that the Federal Government is reluctant to work with Warisan because its president is 'too outspoken' in defending Sabah's rights, calling it mere political rhetoric. 'If being outspoken alone is the key to developing Sabah, why did the Warisan government collapse? What we need are leaders who not only speak up but deliver results, build strategic partnerships and ensure stability. That is exactly what Hajiji and the GRS leadership have done,' she said. She urged the public not to be influenced by narrow political rhetoric but to judge a government by its ability to safeguard the people's welfare and secure Sabah's future. 'The GRS-PH cooperation is not about saving any individual, but about ensuring that Sabah does not return to instability. Now is the time to keep moving forward with a spirit of nationhood, not hatred,' she added. Norazlinah also pointed out the irony in Warisan's criticism, as the party remains part of the federal Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'If Warisan truly rejects working with PH, why are they still in the same government in Putrajaya? Or are they actually worried that the strategic partnership between GRS and PH in Sabah will become a political reality that threatens their position ahead of the next state election?' she asked.
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
Free Malaysia Today
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal-Sabah ties must be inter-governmental, not intra-party, says Armizan
Armizan Mohd Ali said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Cooperation between the federal and Sabah governments must take place on an inter-governmental and not intra-party basis, according to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah deputy secretary-general Armizan Mohd Ali. Armizan, who is also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, said GRS's 'Sabah first' model does not reject cooperation with national parties, but lays the foundation for local parties to form the backbone of the state government. 'This approach is crucial to ensure that federal-state relations are conducted on an inter-governmental basis, not an intra-party one,' he said when opening the annual meeting of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's Darau division today. 'This is because we want issues concerning state interests to be negotiated and resolved through formal channels between the federal and state governments, not within the internal mechanisms of a single party.' Armizan, who is also the Papar MP, said that when the same national party becomes the core of both the federal and state administrations, there is a tendency for issues affecting the state to be discussed and decided within party lines. 'If state matters are resolved through an intra-party process, the risk is that party interests will be prioritised over state interests. More worryingly, some national parties are deeply entrenched in a doctrine that places loyalty to the party above all else, without compromise,' he said. He also said there have been instances when state issues are sidelined simply because the national party prioritises national interests above state concerns. 'A clear example of this is the decades-long struggle over the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Only recently have we seen meaningful federal commitment on MA63 under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. 'However, we cannot rely solely on the attitude or style of individual leaders, what we need is a structural solution,' he said. He said if there is a framework to ensure that federal-state relations remain inter-governmental in nature rather than intra-party, then state interests will always remain a priority. The state government, meanwhile, must function with state interests as its top priority. 'To national parties, (I say) lead the federal government. We will support and work with you. But let local parties lead the state government. This is the spirit behind the GRS and Pakatan Harapan Plus coalition government we have today,' he said. Sabah Barisan Nasional treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said yesterday the 'Sabahan No 1' is not an empty slogan for BN as it represents the party's struggle to give priority to the interests of the people of the state. Salleh, who had previously asserted that the struggle for the state's rights is not the domain of any one party but of all Sabahans, said Sabah BN moved in tandem with the federal unity coalition government, to ensure the state had a decisive voice in national affairs.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
UPKO backs patriotic slogans to foster unity, says Ewon
KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Any political party or Sabahan citizen is free to use any slogan or theme they believe can foster a sense of patriotism among Malaysians, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick. 'I have no objection … call it 'Sabah for Sabahans', 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Our Home', or anything else – as long as the intent is noble and the goal is to foster patriotism and unity among the people of Sabah,' said Ewon, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman and Penampang Member of Parliament. 'As long as it promotes harmony, cooperation and solidarity within our federation, I consider it a good thing,' he added. Speaking to reporters after witnessing the takeover of Klinik Sahabat signing ceremony between Koperasi Pekerja-Pekerja Kerajaan Sabah Berhad and Sahabat Ikhtiar Hospitality Sdn Bhd at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today, Ewon stated that from the UPKO's standpoint, the party has no issue with Sabahans or Sabah leaders adopting such themes. Ewon also stated that both UPKO and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Kurup are part of national coalition, and emphasised that this does not prevent them from representing the voice of Sabah. 'In fact, this can serve as a bridge. I represent a Sabahan party that is part of this national coalition,' he said. For example, in terms of achievements, it was under the current government that nine of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provisions were realised, said Ewon. 'That shows we complement one another. So, I see no obstacle for Sabah parties to move according to their own aspirations — just as we aspire to see greater unity. I fully understand the sentiment in Sabah — this state sentiment — I understand it deeply. As the president of a Sabah-based party, I fully grasp it,' he said. 'That is why I have made it clear that local aspirations must form the foundation of any negotiation. These negotiations must lead to unity — and that unity must encompass broader cooperation,' he added. Ewon also stressed the importance of exploring larger collaborations. 'We cannot afford to limit ourselves to just our own party in Sabah and avoid exploring larger collaborations. Given today's geopolitical climate and trade wars, we cannot afford to assume that Sabah can fight for everything on its own — I don't think so,' he said. He added that he believed cooperation with all parties would be more effective. 'For me, I see this as a broader form of collaboration, because we are not only focused on developing Sabah, but also on defending its sovereignty,' he reminded. 'Let us not forget — who was successful in defeating the Sulu claim? It was the Madani government. We succeeded in defeating the claim overseas. And who led the special task force? It was Datuk Seri Azalina, whom we appointed to head the task force at the Cabinet level. We succeeded.' 'That is why I say — we cannot afford to believe that only we alone can do it. If cooperation with other parties brings added strength, why not?' he added. Ewon also said that he wants to see the Malaysian Federation remain as it was intended when it was formed 63 years ago. 'Yes, there are shortcomings. That is why we must sit together to fix them and strengthen the Federation with new energy,' he said. He also reminded that there is no use fighting under the same banner for decades if, in the end, there are still areas where roads remain unrepaired, and internet access is still poor. 'All of these, in my view, require cooperation,' he said. 'Even in the constituency I represent, there are many shortcomings. And because I am fully aware of those shortcomings, I want to bring every possible strength to help resolve them. 'And if I can gain strength by building friendships and working with more people, more parties, and more leaders — then why not? He reminded that the people want solutions to their problems — not just loud voices championing their cause. 'Some of us may not always be seen speaking out, but in terms of work and results, there are things worth highlighting,' he said. 'For example, at the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, I've introduced an inward-looking 'Look East' policy tailored specifically to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak,' said Ewon. He said that they have launched initiatives such as the Tamu Desa premises scheme, the Tamu Entrepreneur Scheme, and the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Grant Scheme for Sabah and Sarawak. These were introduced because they meet the actual needs on the ground, he said. 'What matters most is finding effective approaches to address the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Those needs cannot be met by passion alone — they must be supported by policies, initiatives, and budgets that uphold those policies. It is those very policies that can elevate our spirit. 'At the end of the day, people will ask — our patriotic spirit may be strong, but the roads are still in poor condition. 'I want to invite fellow leaders in Sabah to unite — regardless of which party we belong to. Whether we are only in Sabah, or whether we can form friendships and collaborations with parties across the country — even with partners outside Malaysia,' urged Ewon. 'That, to me, is what matters most. This is why I keep saying that solving the people's problems cannot be done through rhetoric alone. 'For example, I will soon be visiting Kadamaian with cooperatives that are ready to help address the needs of the people through corporate social responsibility programmes. They want to assist villages in need, villages that have submitted requests that I am unable to fulfil with my limited state assembly allocation,' he said. 'However, premier cooperatives — including some from Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with offers to help. Why should I reject such partnerships from the cooperative movement when they are eager to be part of the solution? So, for me, it is always about solving problems,' he added. As for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, we have proven our commitment, said Ewon. 'Under the Madani government, nine of the MA63 demands have been finalised and fully resolved — four of which were already achieved before I joined the Federal Cabinet.'
