NABAWAN: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Nabawan division has thrown its full support behind party leadership’s stance that local parties must remain the dominant force leading Sabah.
Division Chief Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin said regardless of potential partnerships, all parties must agree that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should maintain its dominant position in governing the State.
Speaking at the party’s annual meeting at the youth hall Saturday, the Nabawan Assemblyman said the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17) presents an opportunity for GRS to prove that local party coalitions mandated by Sabahans can effectively govern for continued development and prosperity.
“Progress in any area must be based on systematic planning, organised management and political stability. I urge everyone not to waste the opportunity we have for political stability in our efforts to ensure Sabah’s development continues in line with Sabahan aspirations,” Ghani said.
He expressed confidence that GRS, as a local party coalition, can deliver political stability while generating multiplier effects for state development and welfare without external interference.
Ghani cautioned party members against falling for malicious slander from opposition forces, describing such attacks as attempts to divide GRS component parties’ unity.
“We and other component parties must unite to ensure GRS remains strong and favoured by the people in this state,” he said.
He urged members to continue highlighting the State Government’s ongoing achievements and genuine efforts to attract public support for GRS, particularly among Nabawan communities and Sabahans generally.
Reflecting on political changes since 2018 following Barisan Nasional’s fall, Ghani expressed confidence that the coalition of local parties can best translate Sabahan aspirations through solid unity and togetherness to restabilise the State’s political arena.
Regarding PRN17, Ghani noted that everyone awaits the Sabah State Assembly dissolution announcement, urging party members to prepare machinery, close ranks, and stay ready for any challenges to secure another victory.
During his nearly five-year tenure as local representative, Ghani said he has tried various approaches to ensure Nabawan’s welfare and development keeps pace with changing times and current community needs.
“The struggle is not over, there is still much I need to accomplish with grassroots support so that Nabawan people’s development and welfare continue to be protected, not just for us but for future generations,” he said.
Ghani highlighted GRS government achievements over three years despite various challenges, including effective governance during the Covid-19 pandemic and movement restrictions starting in 2020.
“This was also my first-year challenge as people’s representative, we were tested by the Covid-19 pandemic while our political temperature remained uncertain during government leadership changes. We were also tested by natural disasters, including major floods in this district that had never occurred before,” he said.
Despite challenges, he noted many successes and positive changes implemented for Nabawan.
The annual party meeting drew 510 representatives and was attended by GRS component party leaders from the area.
