GRS Candidate For Kuamut Focuses On Land Ownership Issues

SANDAKAN, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Kuamut  seat Datuk Masiung Banah is determined to continue championing land ownership issues that remain burdensome for residents in the area.

He said that since being given the mandate as Kuamut assemblyman in 2008, he has set up a Special Technical Committee to facilitate villagers in submitting applications and subsequently obtaining land grants.

He said that since becoming assemblyman, nearly 10,000 people have successfully obtained land grants.

“A portion of the applications are still in the measurement process under the Sabah Native Land Survey Special Programme (PANTAS),” he said when meeting the media at the Communications Ministry Media Centre in conjunction with the 17th Sabah State Election, here.

Masiung said this record proves his continued commitment to championing villagers’ land rights, adding that the issue remains among the core pillars of his manifesto for this election.

In another development, the Vice-President of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) emphasised the need for continued cooperation between the state government and the Federal Government after the election to ensure Sabah’s development agenda can be implemented more effectively.

He acknowledged that there are sentiments among the people wanting a local party to lead the state administration, but stressed that cooperation with the Federal Government must not be sidelined.

“Such sentiments should not overshadow the efforts of the Federal Government, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is deeply concerned about matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“In just three years, the Prime Minister has fulfilled nine matters under MA63,” he said.

On GRS’ prospects in this election, Masiung is optimistic the coalition will emerge as the bloc winning the most seats compared with other parties.

Polling is on Nov 29 while early voting will be held on Nov 25.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah State Election, please visit the PRN Sabah portal.  

-- BERNAMA