BARISAN Nasional (BN) today launched its manifesto for the 17th Sabah State Election, introducing the comprehensive Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah Satu (RPS1), a blueprint aimed at accelerating state development, enhancing citizens’ welfare, and safeguarding Sabah’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Presented by BN Sabah Treasurer Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak at the party headquarters in Kota Kinabalu, RPS1 sets out six main pillars, covering Economic Prosperity and Social Wellbeing, Women and Youth as Pillars of the Nation, Quality Education for All, Political Transformation and Governance, Healthy Communities and a Caring State, and Environmental Sustainability.
“RPS1 has been carefully structured and refined to meet the needs of all Sabahans. Politics is not the goal; it is the means to develop Sabah,” Salleh said.
The manifesto includes ambitious infrastructure plans such as completing the Pan Borneo Highway within five years, establishing the Sabah Water Commission, boosting electricity generation capacity to 5,000 megawatts, and deploying solar energy storage systems for vulnerable B40 households.
Plans also encompass the construction of 15,000 affordable homes annually under the Rumah SabahKu initiative, disaster relief housing, a new international airport, and a new Kudat Port with a Free Trade Zone to position Sabah as a regional economic hub.
On social policy, BN proposed the creation of a Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to oversee the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
The party promises to maintain at least 30 per cent female representation in the state civil service and introduce targeted support schemes such as a one-off RM600 i-Suri incentive for new EPF contributors among housewives, widows, and single mothers, alongside a health initiative offering free screenings for women over 40.
RPS1 also introduces long-term wealth-building measures, including the Sabah Wealth Fund for strategic savings and the Amanah Saham Anak Sabah, which guarantees RM1,000 for every child born in the state from January 1, 2026.
Youth empowerment initiatives include entrepreneurial cooperatives, sports funding, modern motor racing circuits, and e-sports programmes.
BN has committed to limiting the tenure of the Chief Minister to a maximum of two terms to strengthen governance, accountability, and leadership renewal.
The party also emphasises Sabah’s constitutional rights, pledging to reclaim 40 per cent of state revenues under MA63, establish a special State Legislative Assembly committee to monitor its implementation, and advocate for greater representation in federal government-linked companies.
On legislative reform, BN proposes reviewing key laws, including the Petroleum Development Act 1974, Territorial Waters Act 2012, and Fisheries Act 1985, to protect state autonomy.
The manifesto further suggests adding six appointed state assembly members to ensure minority communities have a voice in policy-making.
“Protecting Sabah is not the privilege of any single politician; it is the collective responsibility of its people.
“Our principle is simple: what has been taken, we will return; what has not been implemented, we will execute,” Salleh said.
The manifesto was launched in the presence of BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and BN Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. - November 22, 2025
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