TAWAU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said young voters in Sabah continue to back the State Government led by Chief Minister cum Gabungan Rakyat Sabah President Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who remains committed to championing their interests.
Nizam believes most young people still favour the GRS due to the numerous youth-focused initiatives introduced by the State Government.
“Our intelligence and research show that Sabah’s youth want local leadership that understands the situation here. That is why we are confident the GRS will remain strong,” he said.
Nizam said this to reporters in Kampung Indrasabah, Monday, in response to claims by Umno Youth Chief Datuk Akmal Salleh that young voters are shifting towards the Barisan Nasional.
The GRS Zone 12 leader, whose area covers the Apas, Balung, Sri Tanjung, Merotai, Tanjung Batu, Sebatik and Kukusan state constituencies, said young people are now discerning enough to identify truly responsible political parties.
“Under the GRS/Pakatan Harapan State Government, we have launched many youth-friendly initiatives like the Institut Kerjasama Kerajaan dan Rakyat (Ikrar) to engage with and understand young Sabahans’ aspirations.
“There is also human capital development through extensive guidance and training opportunities, with many young people now employed in industrial centres,” he said.
He pointed out the one-off educational assistance and special aid for Sabahan students studying in Peninsular Malaysia to return home for festivities, as compassionate measures never implemented by previous administrations.
On party preparations, the incumbent Apas Assemblyman said they have been ready since the GRS/PH government took office, employing various approaches, including consistent weekly or monthly engagement with constituents.
Nizam is confident their sustained groundwork will bear fruit, with Apas targeted to contribute one seat to the GRS in the next election.
Nizam also praised the Short Course on Beadwork Embroidery held in Indrasabah, saying such handicrafts showcase multicultural artistic motifs.
“Courses like this not only open doors for rural economic development but promote local cultural traditions through handicrafts as tourism products,” he said.
The two-day programme, which ends today (Tuesday), was organised in collaboration with Tawau Giatmara and the Indrasabah community at the Kampung Indrasabah Community Hall. It attracted 20 female participants.