Sabah polls: GRS sets ambitious revenue target of RM10 billion by 2030 in election manifesto

GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has unveiled a manifesto centred on driving sustained economic growth, with a target of raising state revenue to at least RM10 billion by 2030.

The strategy forms a key component of GRS’s agenda for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), with the coalition emphasising that strengthening Sabah’s finances is a primary focus.

The manifesto is structured around four guiding principles: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper, and Sabah United. According to GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, these principles are operationalised through sixteen strategies spanning multiple development sectors.

"Two principal objectives underpin this manifesto, reflected in the theme “Driving Sabah Forward, Citizens Progressing” (‘Memacu Sabah Maju, Rakyat Berkemajuan’), namely reinforcing momentum in state revenue growth and socio-economic empowerment of the people," said Armizan during a press conference at the launch of the PRN17 manifesto, officiated by GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Monday.

Armizan, who also serves as Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, elaborated that strategies to strengthen state revenue include asserting Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), securing the 40 per cent special allocation, reinforcing economic resources, exploring new economic potential, and implementing legal and institutional reforms to cultivate a conducive environment and good governance.

"Meanwhile, the manifesto emphasises socio-economic empowerment through human capital development, addressing basic infrastructure issues, creating dignified employment opportunities, providing affordable housing access, enhancing social assistance, and reinforcing unity among the people," he added.

Highlighting the importance of fiscal realism, Armizan stressed that development and resolution of longstanding issues cannot rely solely on political rhetoric.

"The effectiveness of any strategy rests on the capacity of state revenue, which must be strong and stable. All parties should present manifestos grounded in the state’s fiscal ability over the five-year period 2026-2030," he said.

He urged parties to contextualise manifesto pledges against their historical performance in generating state revenue.

"The record of revenue growth under GRS forms the foundation of this manifesto. These achievements have not only reached the highest levels in Sabah’s administrative history but also demonstrate the effectiveness of economic strategy, fiscal discipline, and good governance under GRS," Armizan explained.

Citing specific figures, he said state revenue first surpassed RM5 billion in 2021 after years of remaining between RM3 billion and RM4 billion under previous administrations. Revenue then grew to RM5.45 billion in 2021, RM6.96 billion in 2022, RM6.97 billion in 2023, and RM6.84 billion in 2024.

The increase of RM3.25 billion, or 90.5 per cent, compared with 2020 under the Warisan administration further reflects the GRS government’s effective revenue management.

Building on this momentum, GRS aims to continue increasing annual revenue collections, with a target of reaching at least RM10 billion by 2030.

Strategies include expanding revenue sources through the blue economy, renewable energy, digital economy, and carbon credit trading.

In addition, GRS plans to establish a Future Investment Fund for the children of Sabah, designed to secure long-term sustainability, stability, and revenue growth for generations to come.

"This fund is proposed to receive initial capital from a portion of state reserves and annual contributions from part of the 40 per cent special allocation," Armizan explained.

He said that the manifesto embodies GRS’s commitment to realistic, pragmatic, and sustainable development.

"With the mandate of the people at PRN17, GRS is determined and resolved to propel Sabah towards progress and empower its citizens, while laying the foundations for the future of the next generation," he asserted. - November 17, 2025