Business Leaders Say Hajiji’s Return Provides “Stability Sabah Needs”

1 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (Sabah) welcomed the reappointment of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister, describing it as a timely reinforcement of confidence for both investors and the wider business community.

MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau said Hajiji’s renewed mandate comes at a crucial moment, as the state seeks to consolidate post-pandemic gains and sharpen its long-term economic direction.

According to him, the Chief Minister’s steady leadership and pragmatic approach have resonated with businesses that are increasingly looking for stability, clarity and continuity in government policy.

During Hajiji’s previous term, Sabah pursued a series of structural reforms aimed at strengthening state finances, accelerating infrastructure development and expanding industrial diversification, from agriculture and tourism to manufacturing, logistics, food processing and renewable energy.

The administration also advanced key negotiations on oil and gas revenue-sharing and expanded digitalisation efforts across the state. These initiatives, Datuk Lau noted, have begun shaping a more resilient and outward-looking economic ecosystem.

He said Hajiji’s return provides a “stabilising anchor” for long-term development, allowing Sabah to maintain growth momentum and build on recent gains, including rising investor interest in industrial parks, green economy projects, downstream oil and gas ventures, cross-border logistics and modern agricultural technologies. A stable administration, he stressed, is essential for securing multi-year investments.

MCCC Sabah also expressed confidence that the Chief Minister will assemble a capable and professional team, including the new state cabinet and key senior officers, to ensure effective policy execution and efficient administration.

A strong leadership team, Datuk Lau said, will be crucial in driving industrial development, enhancing investment facilitation and strengthening social governance.

He added that Sabah’s strategic position as Malaysia’s gateway to China and ASEAN remains one of its greatest assets. With deepening Malaysia–China relations and rapid growth in trade and tourism exchanges, Sabah is increasingly well placed to emerge as a “Malaysia–China–ASEAN Strategic Hub”. Achieving this vision, he said, requires administrative stability, coordinated policy direction and continued support from both government and industry.

Looking ahead, MCCC Sabah reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Hajiji’s leadership team in areas such as investment promotion, trade facilitation, cross-border industrial linkages, SME development and talent cultivation.

Datuk Lau said the business community is optimistic and ready to collaborate with the state government to enhance Sabah’s competitiveness and global relevance.

The Chamber extended its warm congratulations to Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on his new term and expressed confidence that his administration will guide Sabah towards sustained progress, economic resilience and a prosperous future for its people.