KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should emulate Sarawak, which has successfully accelerated development in the state by strengthening unity among its people, a Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component party leader said.
As such, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Datuk Chin Su Phin called on Sabahans to unite firmly under GRS to form a formidable political force in the country.
Chin added that this would ensure the voices of Sabahans continue to be heard and their needs are taken care of.
"Sarawak is the best example of how they succeed with unity. We, Sabahans, need to unite and vote for GRS in the coming Sabah state election," said Chin in his speech during the opening of the party's 31st party conference at Kian Kok Middle School here.
Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor, Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee; Parti Cinta Sabah president Tan Sri Anifah Aman; United Sabah National Organisation president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin; Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku deputy president Datuk Kenny Chua, as well as Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy president Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Chin added that Sabah, under Hajiji's administration, has achieved significant milestones in terms of revenue, economic growth, foreign investments, and the return of its rights.
Among these achievements are state revenue of RM7 billion, the facilitation of major projects such as SK Nexilis and Kibing in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), the acquisition of a 50 percent participating interest in the Samarang production sharing contract (PSC), and a 25 percent interest in the Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) petrochemical plant.
He said the state government has implemented a five percent sales tax on petroleum products, which has contributed more than RM1.5 billion to the state coffers.
He added Hajiji has never ceased fighting for Sabah's rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"Thanks to the relentless efforts of the GRS state government, the Federal Government has agreed to increase the special grant from RM300 million to RM600 million starting next year, compared to RM53 million during the previous government's era.
"The state government is still engaged in ongoing discussions with Putrajaya regarding Sabah's 40 percent net revenue entitlement as stipulated under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution," he said.
The party conference saw Chin and his deputy, Datuk Yong Wui Chung, retain their positions unopposed.