Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) or Gagasan Rakyat, which was accepted into the GRS coalition on Dec. 9, will be launched soon.
“We will use this party as the platform to continue our struggle as a local party under GRS,” he said, after closing the GRS Students Convention at Raia Hotel, Sunday. He said Gagasan Rakyat was an existing party and would be headed by him.
At present, the GRS coalition comprises five parties namely Gagasan Rakyat, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Star, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and United Sabah National Organisation (Usno).
“After this, there will be no more issues to dispute my position as Chief Minister,” he said, adding what is important is that he received majority support from State assemblymen and would now be leading Gagasan Rakyat. What we predicted on Dec. 12, last year.
Hajiji said he was surprised with the attitude of some parties still dissatisfied with his leadership.
“It makes me wonder why when we manage the state well. But I know this not because we failed but due to greed,” he said. However, Hajiji remains confident with the support of the people as the government has succeeded in overcoming various obstacles and doing its level best for the future of Sabah.
Touching on the programme, Hajiji expressed his happiness for the convention and hoped all students especially above 18 have in depth knowledge on the political situation of the country including in Sabah.
“I want to see the participation of more local students at various public and private Higher Education Institutions (IPT) in programmes organised by the GRS Students Wing.
Through their involvement, the government would gain feedback and greater insight on the rights and aspirations voiced by local youths in the state.
Hajiji added, apart from the convention, the state government has provided various beneficial platforms for students to share their aspirations and speak up on their rights.
“Among them include the Sabah Students Consultative Council (MPPS) and Students Secretariat Sabah Malaysia (Semesta) which shows the government’s recognition of the youth especially students.
“As Chief Minister, I will closely monitor and give serious attention on every proposal and recommendation for the betterment of all including through this convention,” he said.
In addition, Hajiji said the state government has allocated a total of RM16.42 million in the State Budget 2023, paving way for the implementation of the Developmental Programme for Youth Leadership which covers volunteership and social harmony.
“All this measures are aimed at producing quality youth leaders. Therefore it is hoped that the younger generation can seize every initiative provided by the government because they are invaluable assets that deserve to be given wider opportunities to contribute to the development of the state economy,” he said.
He also encouraged students to continue giving their support to the government in its efforts to bring Sabah to greater heights while realising the objectives outlined in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap.
Among those present were PBS President, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, Usno President, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and Star Deputy President Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, GRS secretary-General Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Chairman Sponsor of GRS Student Wing, Datu Hishamuddin Datu Hasim.
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