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SABAH Pakatan Harapan (PH) launched its state manifesto today, outlining eight core commitments anchored in governance reform, people-focused development and the long-awaited fulfilment of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The manifesto, structured around ten priority promises, places strong emphasis on ensuring that Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement is secured and channelled directly towards improving lives across the state. These priorities are driven by seven overarching agendas, framed under the acronym HARAPAN.
Sabah PH chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the coalition welcomes the clear commitment shown by the federal administration, particularly Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has openly affirmed that Putrajaya will not appeal against Sabah’s constitutional revenue entitlement.
“PH Sabah takes the position that we are ready to manage the return of Sabah’s 40 per cent rights. PH Sabah does not indulge in rhetoric on this issue.
“Compare this with previous prime ministers; this is the first time we have a prime minister who has firmly stated that MA63 will be implemented, but through a proper negotiation process between the federal and state governments.
“The greater priority is ensuring that Sabahans genuinely feel the benefits of the land where they were born,” he said at the launch of the coalition’s commitments.
The event was also attended by Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu.
Among its top priorities, Sabah PH commits to building new dams to secure a reliable statewide water supply, exploring green and sustainable energy sources, and developing new power plants to increase the state’s base-load capacity.
The coalition also promises free higher education for eligible students to promote equitable access to quality tertiary learning, alongside an annual RM100 financial assistance scheme for all Sabahans aged 18 and above, modelled after the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) approach.
Urban mobility forms another key pillar, with Sabah PH pledging to develop the Kota Kinabalu Light Rail (KKLR) system to ease congestion and improve public transport.
Under its Sabah rights agenda, the coalition proposes establishing a Sabah Sovereign Wealth Future Fund as a professionally managed legacy investment vehicle for future generations, with reporting obligations to the State Legislative Assembly.
Sabah PH also vows to uphold state–federal cooperation in resolving MA63-related claims fairly and constructively, grounded in the principle of ensuring a secure future for Sabahans.
In the realm of governance, the coalition plans to introduce a bipartisan State Legislative Assembly special select committee and restructure the state cabinet to enhance administrative productivity. These efforts fall under the broader agenda of administrative reform.
For youth, Sabah PH outlines targets to create 20,000 quality job opportunities with fair, qualification-based pay, provide a RM1,200 annual student living allowance and foster high-value downstream industries to support long-term career growth.
Women’s empowerment is positioned as a central commitment, with the coalition pledging 30 per cent female representation in the state cabinet, government-linked companies and local leadership positions.
The manifesto also highlights infrastructural modernisation, including road upgrades, new flyovers and continuous maintenance, as well as strategic investments in tourism development and industrial growth in sectors such as oil and gas, agro-maritime, timber, palm oil and silica sand. - November 23, 2025