KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (pic), who is defending the Keningau parliamentary seat under GRS, is the right person to bring Sabah’s voice to the federal level, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Speaking at a campaign in Apin-Apin, Keningau on Thursday (Nov 17), Hajiji said the unfinished work by Kitingan, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, in bringing the struggles of Sabah and its people to the federal level, must be continued by giving him the mandate on polling day this Saturday (Nov 19).

The victory for the Sabah STAR president during the 15th General Election (GE15) is crucial not only to bring matters related to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to the federal level, but also to ensure development and progress for Sabahans.

“Dr Jeffrey is an experienced candidate in fighting for Sabah’s rights; I and all of us in Sabah need a leader like him.

“I believe if the people in this constituency continue supporting our candidate, we can score a bigger majority, which then enables a voice for Sabah’s struggles to be brought to Parliament.

“If the three state seats under this Parliament, namely Liawan, Bingkor and Tambunan are ours, I don’t see why we can’t give a huge victory to our candidate,” he added, referring to Sabah STAR-won state seats.

Kitingan is also the state assemblyman for Tambunan, which he held for the second term.

In a related development, Hajiji told the Keningau constituents that the GRS-BN state government prioritised Sabah’s younger generation including offering them opportunities under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda.

The GRS chairman said the development plan has alloted various programmes and funding for youths to help them succeed in gaining employment or becoming entrepreneurs.

“And it’s not only for the younger generation, SMJ agenda also gives focus to women,” he added.