KOTA KINABALU: Given the choice between an UMNO-led State Government and a GRS-led State Government, Datuk James Ligunjang would choose the latter.
The former assemblyman for Petagas said choosing GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) over UMNO to lead Sabah is a decision rooted in the pursuit of maintaining the state’s sovereignty, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He pointed out that the historic document recognises Sabah as a sovereign entity and emphasizes the principle that Sabah’s internal affairs should be managed without external interference.
“To uphold Sabah’s sovereignty, it is crucial that the state’s governance is entrusted to local parties free from the influence of parties from Peninsular Malaysia, ” he said in a statement today
Ligunjang said such an approach ensures that Sabah’s future is shaped by the aspirations and needs of its own people.
Opting for GRS as the governing party in Sabah reflects a commitment to enabling Sabahans to autonomously determine their destiny and make decisions that are in the best interest of the state and its residents.
According to him, GRS has demonstrated its ability to effectively manage the state’s finances.
Last year, it recorded a remarkable RM 5.7 billion in state revenue, the highest ever recorded by any Sabah State Government before.
Additionally, GRS aims to increase its revenue to RM 6.7 billion in 2024, showing its dedication to boosting Sabah’s economic growth.
He added that the financial stability and projected growth under GRS’s leadership provide a strong basis for a prosperous future for Sabah.
“By prioritising GRS, Sabah can effectively protect its sovereign status and advocate for the interests of its people,” he said
The Justice of Peace stressed that the choice empowers Sabahans to govern their state according to their own vision and ensure that decisions are made to benefit Sabah and its residents.
Ligunjang added that independence and self-governance are not just a matter of choice but a necessity to assert Sabah’s autonomy and safeguard its future.