GRS pushes 2-term limit for Sabah CM in bold governance reform

New Straits Times

4 days ago

PAPAR: A proposal to introduce a two-term limit for the Chief Minister of Sabah is among the key initiatives outlined in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) election manifesto.
GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative fell under the 'Sabah United' pillar — one of four central pillars of the manifesto, alongside 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Forward', and 'Sabah Prosper'.
He said the move not only aimed at promoting unity among Sabahans but also reflected a collective commitment to strengthening governance in the state.
"This proposal was agreed upon by the GRS state cabinet in collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus in December 2023. The reform would require an amendment to the State Constitution, which in turn needs a two-thirds majority support in the State Legislative Assembly.
"As such, GRS must secure a convincing victory exceeding the two-thirds threshold in the upcoming state election (PRN) to ensure this manifesto pledge can be realised in a future sitting of the assembly (DUN)," he said.
Armizan, who is also Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister said the manifesto was still being refined and has yet to be finalised.
"We are currently in the early stages of developing its framework. We've invited all component parties within GRS and PH Plus to submit proposals. Each party will further fine-tune their inputs based on the four key pillars, before they are consolidated and presented at the GRS Supreme Council meeting," he told a press conference after officiating the Sabah Short Film Commercial Screening and the premiere of Impak Maksima 2 at 10Star Cinemas, Parklane City Benoni, yesterday.
Armizan also said that he had chaired the first meeting with representatives from all GRS component parties to discuss the formation of a special task force to draft the manifesto.
"GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor entrusted me to lead this task force, which includes representatives from all component parties.
"Our meeting on Tuesday went smoothly. While the final draft will be submitted for the leadership's consideration, I can share that the GRS manifesto will comprise two main components.
"The first component focuses on initiatives structured around the four core pillars — 'Sabah First', 'Sabah Forward', 'Sabah Prosper' and 'Sabah United'.
"The second component reflects the resolve and commitment of GRS to deliver on its promises," he added.