Kota Kinabalu: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), as the first-ever local-party political coalition, is poised to effectively champion the State’s autonomous interests within the Malaysian federation, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President Gee Tien Siong.
In alignment with the principles of Federalism, he said Sabahans are calling for robust localised leadership.
“Localised leadership is not just a necessity but a fundamental principle aligned with the spirit of Federalism,” he said in a statement Monday. SAPP is one of the GRS founding members.
Gee emphasised that advocating for leadership from within Sabah reinforces the integrity of the Federal system and promotes balanced and equitable development across all regions.
“Such leadership embodies the core values of Federalism, fostering a partnership between the Federal and State Governments based on mutual respect and cooperation,” he said.
Gee echoed the sentiments of Tunku Ismail Idris, the Crown Prince of Johor, who stated that under the Federal system, states should be partners within Malaysia, not subordinates.
“Every state should be able to determine its own future, not solely depending on the Federal Government decisions or funding,” he said.
He also disagreed with the outdated mentality of Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who opposes the “Sabah is for Sabahans” spirit.
“GRS has garnered substantial support throughout Sabah with our Sabah First approach. This reflects the true desires of Sabahans, irrespective of warnings from external political parties like Umno,” said Gee.
