Shahelmey an asset for GRS in polls: Chief Minister

LocalPolitics
20 Aug 2025 • 12:00 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

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PUTATAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is confident that Putatan MP cum Tanjung Keramat Assemblyman Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (pic) will play a decisive role in securing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) victory in the Putatan constituency.

Shahelmey, who is a Deputy Chief Minister, had shown loyalty during the failed “Langkah Kinabalu” coup in 2023, when Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Warisan attempted to topple the GRS-plus government.

The attempt was thwarted with support from Sabah Pakatan Harapan, despite PH and BN being allies in Peninsular Malaysia.

“He will follow us,” Hajiji told reporters when asked about Shahelmey’s candidacy.

Shahelmey remains a member of Umno-BN, though currently serving a six-year suspension for his role in defying the party during the crisis.

“God willing, we will win all three Putatan seats – Tanjung Aru, Tanjung Keramat and Petagas. He will surely win (tatap manang punya),” Hajiji added.

Hajiji reiterated that the State Government has drawn up various initiatives for youths.

He said the State Government will not relent in its commitment to continue safeguarding interest of youths in Sabah.

“It is for this reason, the development of youths have been included as among the pillars of the state’s development in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya.

“Youths are not merely beneficiaries, but also agents of change. In a world full of challenges, young people must be leaders of community harmony, guardians of cultural heritage and supporters of technological progress.

“We have to understand their needs and we will continue to draw up plans for the youths. From 2021–2025, a total of 14 new initiatives have been introduced involving an allocation of RM164.14 million, which has benefited 210,918 students,” he said.

He said the State Government has implemented many initiatives, including youth grants, skills training, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship programmes, to ensure that Sabah’s young people have a platform to grow.

“Today, the presentation of the Young People Programme grant amounting to  RM300,000 is proof of our commitment to support ideas and projects that benefit the local community.

“Make the best use of this grant to carry out programmes that bring benefits to the youth in your respective areas,” he said.

The grant would be distributed to youth NGOs in the Tanjung Aru, Petagas and Tanjung  Keramat state constituencies in the Putatan parliamentary constituency.

Hajiji said Sabah’s development will not succeed if the younger generation is not  provided the space, opportunities and strong support to create, innovate and lead.

He also called upon youths not to be easily swayed by the slanders and lies spread by the opposition in the social media.

In the same event, Hajiji also witnessed the presentation of Taman Sempelang,  Sembulan Burial Ground gazette from the Lands and Survey Department Director Datuk Bernard Liew to Muis President Datuk Yahya Hussin.

Earlier, Hajiji was accompanied by Shahelmey and Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari to visit the Rumah Mesra SMJ construction site for fire victims at Kampung Petagas.