Jismit (third left) speaking at the press conference.
KOTA KINABALU (Sept 7): Parti Gemilang Anak Sabah (GAS) will unveil its candidates and ten-point manifesto for the upcoming state elections during its official launch in Beaufort on September 21.
Its president, Jismit Japong, said the party remains committed to contesting 55 seats, with the possibility of more depending on the rakyat’s needs.
He added that with division chiefs already appointed, GAS is ready once the state assembly is dissolved.
“Our candidates will be selected through a tender process, and so far, we have received 286 resumes from interested individuals,” he told a press conference at a hotel here on Sunday.
Among the selection criteria are a solid educational background, a clean record with no criminal charges, and a clear vision for developing their constituencies. Candidates must also present a five-year masterplan for their respective areas.
Jismit said Sabah’s current political landscape has created confusion and disappointment due to the myriad of political collaborations.
“I urge the people of Sabah to give GAS a chance. We are a new party with a vision to change how the state is governed,” he said, stressing that GAS’s priority is to secure greater autonomy for Sabah.
“If given the mandate, we will ensure Sabah governs itself and makes decisions independently, in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), where Sabah was recognized as an equal partner. We will also push for the return of the 40 percent net revenue entitlement through a government-to-government approach,” he said.
He further urged voters to support local parties rather than “foreign parties and their proxies” in Sabah.
“Sabah is rich in natural resources, but its wealth has been mortgaged to outsiders instead of being enjoyed by Sabahans,” he said.
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