KOTA KINABALU, May 28 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor today outlined the four pillars of struggle of the coalition of five political parties to fulfil the aspiration of Agenda Sayangi Sabah (Love Sabah Agenda).
Hajiji, who is also the Sabah Chief Minister, said the first pillar, namely Sabah First, aimed to put Sabah’s rights and interests as well as shift the state’s development status in various aspects to the top of the priority list.
He said, however, that Sabah First did not mean neglecting the national interest but, as a local platform, GRS was entrusted with the huge responsibility of putting the fight for the state’s interests as the number one priority.
“We are confident and believe that as one of the country’s most important components, the goal of building a more developed and successful Sabah must be raised as a national agenda for the sake of ensuring the prosperity and sustainability of the Federation of Malaysia,” he said.
Hajiji said the second pillar, namely Sabah Forward, aimed at shaping thinking, directing perspective and leading actions in a strategic and focused manner in order to build a legacy of progress to be enjoyed and inherited by future generations.
The third pillar, namely Sabah Prosper, is aimed at translating the government’s determination to successfully implement the Love Sabah Agenda through the state’s development plan, Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap (SMJ).
According to Hajiji, although there were certain parties trying to create a negative perception by denying the significance of the SMJ, the coalition would not let those with such narrow-minded political interests divert them from the right track, adding that they would focus on getting the development plan moving.
“For that reason, the struggle of Sabah First, Sabah Forward and Sabah Prospect must move in tandem with the struggle of Sabah United, which is to create a united Sabah, as the fourth pillar,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajii, who is also Sabah Bersatu chief, said the GRS would also consider setting up the Student Wing and GRS Plus Wing, which brings together political bodies as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Apart from direct GRS membership, our Women’s Wing and Youth Wing must immediately consider the establishment of the Student Wing at the request of the group,” he said.
The five component parties of the GRS are Bersatu Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and United Sabah National Organisation (USNO).
