KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) will initiate efforts to shape Sabah’s future through the establishment of a state sovereign wealth fund.
GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Ali said the fund, dubbed the Sabah Future Investment Fund, is a strategy designed to ensure sustainability, stability, and increased state revenue for future generations.
“The fund is proposed to receive initial seed capital from a portion of the current state reserves, along with annual injections from part of the 40 per cent Special Grant entitlement,” he said during a press conference.
Present was GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Regarding Sabah PKR‘s wealth fund, Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Living Costs Minister, said GRS would consider integrating the idea should both GRS and PH be elected to government again.
Commenting on the launch of GRS’ manifesto for the 17th Sabah General Election, the Papar member of parliament said it would be built upon the guiding principle of “Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga” (Our Home, We Take Care of It), under the theme Driving Sabah Forward, Advancing the People.
“This manifesto represents GRS’ commitment to developing Sabah with a realistic, pragmatic and sustainable approach.
“With a mandate from the people in the 17th Sabah General Election, GRS is determined to drive Sabah forward, advance its people, and pave the way for a stronger future for the next generation.”
He said the principle is anchored on four pillars — Sabah First (Sabah Diutamakan), Sabah Forward (Sabah Maju ke Hadapan), Sabah Prosper (Sabah Maju Jaya), and Sabah United (Sabah Bersatu).
These pillars translate into 16 strategies covering a wide range of development agendas across various sectors.
“The two main objectives of this manifesto, as outlined in the theme Driving Sabah Forward, Advancing the People, are to strengthen the momentum of (i) increased state revenue; and (ii) socioeconomic empowerment of the people.
“Among the strategies to boost revenue growth are firm action on Sabah’s rights under MA63, including the 40 per cent Special Grant, strengthening economic resources, exploring new economic potentials, and implementing legal and institutional reforms to foster a conducive environment and good governance.”
Additionally, the manifesto emphasises strategies to strengthen socioeconomic empowerment, including human capital development, resolving basic infrastructure issues, creating decent-income employment opportunities, improving access to affordable housing, increasing social assistance, and reinforcing unity and social cohesion.
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