Latest news with #17thSabahStateElection
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
New Membakut Community Hall soon
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Ariffin officiating the ground breaking ceremony. MEMBAKUT: Membakut residents will soon enjoy safer and more comfortable public facilities with the construction of a new community hall in town. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ariffin Arif, who is Membakut assemblyman said the hall, which replaces an outdated facility, is being constructed on the same site with a larger footprint. Advertisement The Sabah state government has allocated RM6 million for the project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months, he said. The project was approved last year by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and is scheduled for completion by 2027, said Ariffin. 'The upgraded hall will not only include improved basic amenities, but also a badminton court and the capacity to accommodate over 2,000 people at a time,' said Ariffin after officiating the ground-breaking ceremony on behalf of the Chief Minister. 'This new facility will support a wide range of large-scale social events and will become a new landmark for the district,' he added. Also present were Klias assembly man Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, who is also PGRS Klias Division Chief, Ampuan Hasyim Ampuan Mamut PGRS Bongawan Division Chief; and State Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin. In another development, Ariffin, who also leads the PGRS Membakut Division, said the party is fully prepared to face the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). He said that preparations are underway at all levels, including identifying party members at branch level, with active involvement from the PGRS Women's Wing. 'PGRS Membakut now has more than 8,000 registered members, but what is most important is our service to the people, particularly in the areas of welfare and public interest. 'With nearly 19,000 voters in the area, our focus must include not just our members, but the broader community as well. Reaching out to everyone is essential,' he said. Earlier, Ariffin also presented Sabah's People's Touch Assistance (SKR) and education aid to students and symbolically handed over keys to SMJ Homes on behalf of the Chief Minister. The ceremony also included the presentation of appointment letters to 40 newly appointed Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons for the Bongawan and Membakut constituencies. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji hints at post-July polls announcement
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor holds a vote for GRS sign when officiating the 2025 Gagasan Rakyat Sulaman Division Annual Conference at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Tuaran, on Sunday. TUARAN (June 15): Amid ongoing speculation that the 17th state election may happen at the end of July or early August, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said there is no rush to set a date for dissolving the State Legislative Assembly. However, he hinted that an announcement could be made after the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) General Assembly scheduled for the end of July. 'Not yet, we will have our general assembly meeting at the end of July first,' he told reporters after officiating the Gagasan Rakyat Sulaman division's annual conference at Dewan Seri Sulaman here on Sunday. The Gagasan Rakyat President and Sulaman Division chief was responding to questions from reporters about the possibility of the state assembly being dissolved at the end of July to make way for the 17th Sabah State Election. Meanwhile, Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, stressed that the ruling coalition is ready to face any party in the 17th state election. He said while this was GRS's stance, but any decision on the form of political cooperation for the upcoming state election must be made by the coalition's Supreme Council. 'GRS is ready to face anyone in the upcoming election. That is our position, but any form of cooperation must be decided by the GRS Supreme Council,' he said. He also expressed his support for the views of GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who agreed that GRS should face off against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the upcoming state election. 'I support his opinion, but we have yet to make a final decision. This doesn't come from me, it's BN that has said they are not interested. We shouldn't force anyone if they're not keen,' he said. Armizan had said he personally agreed with Umno Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that GRS and BN should go head-to-head in the state election. Meanwhile, Hajiji said the Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Assembly this time around is important, as it is being held ahead of the upcoming state election. 'My reminder and advice to all Gagasan Rakyat and GRS members is for them to remain united. Close ranks, strengthen the party machinery, and prepare for the election that is just around the corner,' he said. Earlier, in his speech, Hajiji reminded Gagasan Rakyat and GRS leaders and members to learn from the current political situation and to counter the falsehoods being spread by the opposition on social media. 'We must be wise in distinguishing between slander and lies, and what the government is actually doing. Never fall for the slander and lies spread by the opposition. 'Let the opposition spread slander, but we in Gagasan Rakyat must stand together with our allies in GRS Plus especially here in Sulaman,' he said. He also elaborated on GRS's position for the upcoming 17th state election particularly in regard to its potential allies for the polls. 'Many people have asked me about our situation, who our allies are, and where we will be contesting. While no final decision has been made yet, as I will need to discuss it with the GRS component parties. We are currently more comfortable with the existing arrangement in government, which is GRS-PH Plus. 'This is the sentiment among the people on the ground right now. Our rakyat want this. Many other parties speak arrogantly and boast outside, but I bring this matter to GRS. I do not make decisions on my own. that's my principle. Let the GRS Supreme Council decide the direction we take in the coming election,' he said. On the Sulaman state seat he has held since 1990, Hajiji expressed confidence that it can continue to be retained under GRS in the upcoming state election. He also hoped that the three other state seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu, would also remain under GRS.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
LDP firmly rejects alliance with Umno
Chin delivering his speech at the opening of the convention. KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has firmly rejected any form of electoral alliance with Umno in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, citing concerns over corruption, power abuse, and lack of reform in the party. 'We in LDP strongly oppose any electoral pact between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional (BN)-Umno,' said its president Datuk Chin Su Phin at LDP west coast joint divisional conference here on Sunday. He pointed to the historic 2018 general election when Malaysians, including Sabahans, voted out the BN-Umno government due to rampant corruption, abuse of power, and the 1MDB scandal involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. 'Despite its fall, Umno refuses to reform. Some of its leaders, like Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, continue to exploit racial and religious sentiments. Worse still, the party refuses to accept Najib's guilt despite overwhelming evidence that led to his conviction,' he said. Chin criticized Umno's push for Najib's full pardon and request for house arrest as a gross injustice to the people. 'Yes, Najib contributed to the country during his tenure, but a true leader must also own up to their mistakes and accept the consequences,' he stressed. He also recalled Umno Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's failed attempt to topple the Hajiji-led GRS government in 2022, stating, 'GRS should not even consider a pact with BN-Umno in the next election.' On the local political landscape, Chin urged voters to support Sabah-based parties, noting the success of Sarawak in asserting its autonomy. However, he expressed disappointment in Parti Warisan's approach. 'Warisan, though a local party, chooses to attack the GRS government and spread disinformation on social media. Apart from its president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, the party lacks capable leaders. Since losing power two years ago, we have not seen professionals join its ranks,' Chin said. He added that Warisan is unlikely to win in Kadazan or Malay-majority seats due to weak candidates and a three-way vote split in Malay constituencies. 'Some Chinese voters say they want to support Warisan to change the government, but realistically, Warisan cannot form the next government without strong Kadazan and Malay support,' he said, cautioning that if Warisan loses, the Chinese community risks being labeled as the opposition bloc. He warned voters not to 'put all eggs in one basket' and urged Chinese voters in Sabah's six Chinese-majority seats to think rationally. 'There is even a possibility that Warisan, though contesting independently, may team up with BN post-election if it fails to win enough seats. Voters must weigh all possibilities seriously,' he said. Chin advised voters to evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and track records rather than party loyalty. 'During Warisan's rule, some assemblymen showed poor leadership. We cannot afford to elect underqualified individuals to ministerial positions,' he cautioned. 'We need to evaluate the candidates' backgrounds, rather than voting based on party. During Warisan's era, some of the assemblymen have displayed poor leadership and incompetency. Sabah's economy and development will suffer if subpar candidates are elected and appointed as ministers, roles that they are ill-equipped to perform well,' he claimed. Chin expressed hope that Sabahans will unite and continue to support GRS in the next state election. They must refrain from passing premature judgment on GRS based on the viral videos as the whistleblower may have his political intentions, he said, adding that the people should wait for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conducts its investigation into this matter in order to be fair to GRS. According to him, the people must be wise and rational when it comes to the negative propaganda on social media targeting the GRS State Government, including baseless accusations on the lack of development or efforts to resolve water and electricity problems and damaged roads in Sabah. 'This is grossly unfair to the GRS government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor given the track records and achievements of the current administration over the past few years,' Chin stressed. According to him under Hajiji's leadership, Sabah's cash reserves has increased to RM8.6 billion, while state revenue will hit RM7 billion this year from RM4 billion in 2022. The opposition, he said, has accused the GRS for the lack of investments in Sabah, but the fact is that SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Kibing Group have invested RM11.34 billion on their manufacturing plants in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). Another significant investment is Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd's natural gas supply project worth RM20 billion, said Chin. Additionally, GRS has implemented the six per cent sales tax on petroleum products, which enables the state government to collect RM1.5 billion annually. Meanwhile, the longstanding amicable relationship between GRS and the Federal Government is reflected in the payment of RM600 million in interior special grant to Sabah this year, which is far more than the RM53 million received during Parti Warisan Sabah's (Warisan) governance. 'The excellent governance and accomplishments of GRS was recognized by the International Business Review (IBR), which named Sabah as Malaysia's Most Outstanding State for 2024 at The IBR ASEAN Awards 2025. 'These are only a fraction of the GRS' records of governance and achievements under Hajiji's leadership. The GRS government has undertaken great efforts to develop Sabah, as stated in detail on the Sabah Maju Jaya website, including assistance for the poor and underprivileged groups,' he said. Chin said that the next state election will be different from previous ones, as it will not be held simultaneously with parliamentary polls. With Pakatan Harapan (PH) still in power at the federal level for the next two and a half years, he said it is crucial that Sabah's next government maintains a good relationship with Putrajaya. 'Whether GRS runs alone or in cooperation with Sabah PH will depend on ongoing negotiations. But the key message is this: PH will remain the federal government regardless of this election's outcome,' he said. Chin called on all Sabahans to be wise and rational in their decisions adding, 'give GRS your strong mandate to continue leading Sabah. Choose competent leaders. Let us not gamble on Sabah's future. Let us vote responsibly.'
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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Impian urges Kepayan youth to update voter info at special SPR counter
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Parti Impian Sabah is calling on young voters, especially those from rural areas now working in the city, to update their voting information ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election. Its Kepayan chief, Michelle Chin said many young voters have not changed their polling centre details due to the limited weekday operating hours of the Election Commission (SPR) counters. Advertisement "I've requested SPR to open a special service counter on Saturday (June 21) at Rumah Murah Kepayan to assist those who wish to update their polling centre," she said. The mobile counter will be set up at DJ Cafe, Rumah Murah Kepayan, Penampang from 8.00am to 12.00pm. Services include checking and updating voter details, changing localities, and voter registration. Chin also urged the public to spread the word. "I believe this is the most effective way to reach the public and ensure more people can vote where they actually reside,' she added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
GRS yet to finalise PRN17 alliance decision
PITAS: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has expressed the same view as Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) in refusing to cooperate for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, however, said the coalition has yet to make a final decision on any political cooperation until its supreme council meeting, expected to be held later this month or early next month. "We have not held a Supreme Council meeting to decide on this matter yet. "However, I believe the president has met with all the component party presidents, and I'm sure he has also had informal meetings with Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders. "Only after gathering feedback from all members and component parties can we decide whether to go solo or work together," he said when met by the media after launching the Cinta Sekolah Saya (Love My School) programme for the Pitas district at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kanibongan on Tuesday. Masidi was responding to questions on whether GRS would collaborate with BN and PH in the coming state election. He also said that the Chief Minister, who is also GRS Chairman, has repeatedly stressed his preference for a PH-GRS alliance going into the election. According to Masidi, the main rationale behind continuing the PH-GRS partnership is to ensure political stability. He cited Sarawak as an example, pointing out that the state enjoys strong political stability, which has clearly contributed to its ability to focus on economic development. When asked whether GRS would proceed independently if PH and BN , currently partners at the federal level decide to join forces for PRN17, Masidi said such a situation could be interpreted in many ways. "BN/Umno Sabah leaders have repeatedly expressed that they do not want to collaborate with GRS. "That's the rather unpleasant reality. "GRS members and leaders have frequently stated that they feel more comfortable with PH while waiting for decisions on allocations and seat distribution.
