The manifesto, unveiled by GRS chairman Hajiji Noor, includes a plan for an expanded RM300 monthly Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (Syukur) aid scheme.
Billed as a continuation of GRS’s previous administration, the manifesto highlights increased state revenue, stronger reserves, and robust investment inflows as evidence of momentum.
Hajiji said the manifesto is built on four pillars – Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper, and Sabah United – which form the core of GRS’s policy direction for the next five years under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 framework.
“We launch this manifesto as a declaration of our pledges, commitments and strategic plans for the next five years for Sabahans.
“We aim to form the state government again.
“GRS is not only capable of maintaining stability and unity, but also able to drive change and deliver on promises for the state,” he said.
Beyond the expanded welfare programme, GRS is committing to major fiscal reforms, including a goal of increasing state revenue to RM10 billion by 2030 and establishing the state’s first sovereign wealth fund next year.
Development pledges make up a substantial portion of the manifesto, with GRS outlining major upgrades to water supply, electricity generation, digital connectivity and rural infrastructure.
Flagship projects include the Ulu Padas hydroelectric and water supply scheme; the Cinta Mata dam in Tawau; expanded water treatment plants in Telibong, Kogopon and Semporna; increased power generation capacity; and wider Starlink coverage for rural districts.
Education support will also be expanded through school equipment aid, exam fee subsidies, increased state scholarships, laptop assistance for B40 students and savings contributions for newborn children.
Youth-focused initiatives include entrepreneurship programmes, innovation and digital skills training, leadership development platforms and Rumah Transit Belia SMJ, providing temporary housing for fresh graduates seeking work in major towns.
GRS also pledged to scale up Rumah Mesra SMJ, which has completed more than 7,000 units so far, and introduce new allocations for young married couples, with 10 units per constituency reserved for newlyweds starting next year.