CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), which he is now leading and has been 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, Kota Kinabalu, on Dec 29.
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), Parti Solidarity Tanah Airku (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.
Hajiji said he was surprised by 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 in the support of the people as the Government has succeeded in overcoming various obstacles and doing its level best for the future of Sabah.
About the programme, Hajiji expressed his happiness for the convention and hoped all students, especially those above 18, have in-depth knowledge of 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,” he said.
Hajiji said apart from the convention, the State Government has provided various beneficial platforms for students to share their aspirations and speak up for 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 to every proposal and recommendation for the betterment of all including through this convention,” he said.
The Chief Minister also 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 volunteerism and social harmony.
“All these 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 Dr Maximus Ongkili, Usno President, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Star Deputy President Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, GRS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Protem Chairman of GRS Students Wing Datu Hishamuddin Datu Hasim.
