27-04-2025
Many GRS initiatives are ‘firsts'
Published on: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025
By: R Gonzales Text Size: Hajiji (fifth right) launching the Gagasan Rakyat Information Machinery. Tuaran: Many initiatives that are benefitting Sabahans under the GRS government were never carried out by previous governments, let alone Warisan 'which is only good at lying and spreading slander'. 'Educational aid initiatives, public welfare such as the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya and the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Sabah Programme, success in attracting foreign investors to help boost economic growth and job opportunities must be explained and channelled to the people. 'This is what the GRS government has implemented over four years,' said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. The Chief Minister said it is important for all party leaders, including the information and election machinery at all levels, to work hard to ensure the explanations reach the grassroots. He said as the ruling coalition, GRS is still holding discussions regarding cooperation with other parties for the imminent 17th State Election. 'We are currently discussing among ourselves. After that, we will discuss with those who want to cooperate with us. 'We are the State Government today. We will decide who our partner will be in the coming election,' he said, after officiating the Jentera Penerangan Gagasan Rakyat Launch at Dewan Persatuan Rumpun Bajau. 'The opposition is disappointed that Gagasan Rakyat and GRS continue to be accepted by the multiracial community in this State,' he said, adding that Gagasan Rakyat and GRS would continue to fight for the people's welfare down to the grassroots. 'The election machinery in each State constituency has been established and we are just waiting to be mobilised.' He urged party members to help secure victory for candidates who have been picked to contest. 'I hope party members, once we have made the final decision, will work hard without thinking of personal interests or dissatisfaction. 'But prioritise the party's interests,' he said. Additionally, he hopes the Jentera Penerangan Gagasan Rakyat including at the division and branch levels, would continue to combat the lies and slander spread by the opposition. Two other challenges are the importance of the information machinery and all party leaders to dominate cyberspace or social media and continue to gain public support for Gagasan Rakyat and GRS. 'The information machinery, in particular, has a big responsibility to face these challenges. We not only need to fight the opposition's lies and slander but also dominate cyberspace. 'In fighting the opposition, it is important for us to master cyberspace and social media. 'This is to ensure we not only counter the opposition's lies quick but also to spread all government aid initiatives and successes achieved by the GRS-PH Plus government. 'This year is an election year, so the party machinery, especially the information machinery, must work hard to provide explanations and information to the people. God willing, GRS will be given the mandate,' he said. He said the responsibility as the information machinery is very challenging because it is the opposition's duty to keep spreading slander and lies. 'Therefore, we must counter them with what we have done while governing. Even though the people can judge, our duty, especially the information machinery, is to keep providing explanations and counter the opposition because they will continue to lie. In this regard, he wants all party machinery, election machinery and information at the division and branch levels to be strengthened to face the State Election. 'I also want whoever is chosen as a candidate to be supported. There should be no element of sabotage. At the same time, we want political stability,' he said. Present were the party's Vice Presidents Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Datuk Rubin Balang, Datuk Masiung Banah and Sec-Gen Datuk Mohd Razali Razi. Also present were Treasurer-General Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Deputy Treasurer-General Datuk Tahir Md Picho and Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, among others. Earlier, among the activities held during the event were a Short Video Competition in conjunction with the Information Workshop, Infographic and Videographic Competitions, vest presentations and performances by local artists. Hajiji also attended the Parti Bersatu Sabah Aidilfitri Open House at the Dewan Tun Hamdan in Tamparuli. * 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.
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