Kota Kinabalu: Parti Perjuangkan Rakyat (PR), a newly-established local political party, announced its readiness to contest all 73 state constituencies in the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
Its President Datuk Saran Jumdail said the party was formed with the mission of amplifying the voice of the Sabah people at the highest level, driven by a spirit of struggle to strengthen the State’s economy, ensure public safety and uphold Sabah’s sovereignty under the Malaysian Constitution.
“This party was born from the people themselves — not a big party, not a rich one and not sponsored by any external group,” he said.
“We stand on our own feet and fight with the strength of the people,” he told a press conference at the Perjuangan Rakyat headquarters in Suria Inanam on Sunday.
Saran said the party’s leadership comprises ordinary citizens, NGO activists, corporate figures, entrepreneurs and youths who have long worked closely with grassroots communities.
“We understand the real struggles of the people. Sabah is rich — we have oil, gas, fertile land, marine resources and tourism potential. Yet, the reality is that our people are still poor, many villages lack proper roads, clean water and electricity are unreliable and job opportunities remain limited,” he said.
Saran explained that Perjuangan Rakyat aims not only to contest the election but also to realign Sabah’s direction through a 20-Year Sabah Development Plan, covering economic, social and security aspects to ensure balanced progress between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“We already have a long-term development plan. Our vision is clear — to make Sabah a developed, high-income and prosperous State without neglecting the rights of rural communities,” he said.
He said the party’s candidates will be young and people-oriented, not temporary figures or political opportunists.
“Our candidates are those who work with the people every day — not just during elections. They understand the real struggle and will continue to stand with the people even after the election,” he said.
Saran also urged the public to re-evaluate the current leadership, whom he said had held power for too long without bringing meaningful change.
“The people must be brave enough to change. If we continue to choose self-serving leaders, our children and grandchildren will one day blame us for failing to defend their rights,” he said.
The press conference was attended by senior party leaders and supporters from across Sabah who expressed full support for the party’s cause.
“Perjuangan Rakyat is a new voice — born from the people, for the people. We are ready to bring real change and build a new Sabah that is more prosperous and dignified,” said Saran.