SABAH POLLS | One week out from polling day, Perikatan Nasional rolled out its 12-pillar Sabah manifesto, portraying itself as the coalition to reset state governance, safeguard Sabah’s wealth, and tighten oversight of its natural resources.

At the centre of the manifesto is the RM10 billion Sabah Future Fund, a sovereign wealth fund which PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin said would secure long-term returns from the state’s resources.

“We want to make sure the wealth of Sabah is shared today and protected for future generations,” he told supporters during the launch of the Kasi Bagus Sabah election manifesto.

Earlier, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), during its manifesto launch on Nov 17, had also pledged the establishment of a state sovereign wealth fund and proposed limiting the tenure of the chief minister to two terms.

Around 1,000 people attended the PN's manifesto launch in Putatan, with Sabah Bersatu chief Ronald Kiandee and Sabah PAS commissioner Aliakbar Gulasan among those present.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, renewed PN’s pledge to enforce Sabah’s 40 percent federal revenue entitlement, describing it as a constitutional right that “must be fulfilled, not ignored.”

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Sabah caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor last week said that the negotiations on Sabah's 40 percent entitlement to the federal revenue it collects can be settled within three months, as per the High Court order in October.

However, his latest remarks indicate no plans to challenge Putrajaya's position that the ruling about the “lost years”, where revenue payments were not reviewed, was unfair.

In a statement from his office about his remarks after a programme in Kota Belud, Hajiji revealed that he had spoken to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about the appeal before it was filed.

Previously, Anwar said Putrajaya collects about RM10 billion in federal revenue from Sabah, which would mean that the state is entitled to RM4 billion under the 40 percent agreement if the amount for 2025 remains the same.

Presently, under Budget 2026, the plan is to pay Sabah just RM600 million.

Overhauling Sabah's mining sector, infrastructure reset

A major element of PN’s pitch unveiled yesterday is also a comprehensive clean-up of Sabah’s mining sector, following months of public frustration over irregular licensing and unanswered questions surrounding mineral concessions.

Muhyiddin said Sabahans had “not fully enjoyed the benefits of its rich mineral deposits,” citing viral videos of purported corruption involving several Sabah leaders that raised concerns about how the sector has been managed.

For this, Muhyiddin said PN proposes a new ministry to oversee minerals, a white paper to reveal past decisions, and a reorganisation of agencies involved in mineral management.

Muhyiddin said the goal was a system that is “transparent, efficient and accountable.”

The manifesto also promises a RM3 billion infrastructure reset to fix water supply issues, poor road conditions and electricity instability, along with a RM500 million flood-mitigation plan.

PN aims to build new economic momentum by doubling tourist arrivals, strengthening agriculture and fisheries, and creating 80,000 jobs by 2030.

On social protection, PN is offering RM4,800 a year for poor families, free insurance coverage of up to RM15,000, and a RM1 billion housing fund for rent-to-own and low-income units.

“We want a system that is fair, efficient and clean, where no family is left behind,” Muhyiddin said.

Security remains a key pillar, with PN calling for tighter coordination with federal agencies, enhanced surveillance, and stronger action against cross-border threats.

Some pledges fall under Putrajaya’s jurisdiction

Speaking to reporters after the launch, Muhyiddin addressed concerns that some of PN’s promises fall under federal jurisdiction, such as education, security and health.

Sabah state assembly building

Regardless of this, he said the state government still had a responsibility to act on these matters.

“Some responsibilities are federal and others are state, but when it comes to the safety and well-being of Sabahans, both governments have a role to play.

“Even if certain matters are federal, the state must still push, engage, and make sure the necessary resources are provided.

“The point is cooperation, we recognise the issues Sabahans face, and we want to ensure they are protected,” he said.

Given PN’s status as the federal opposition, doubts still persist over the extent to which its manifesto can be realised.

PN is fielding candidates in 42 seats.

The Sabah election takes place on Nov 29.