GRS Leadership to Determine Coalition’s Direction for State Election

12 May 2025

KUNAK: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor expressed his respect for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim’s views on ensuring political stability in Sabah, following their meeting in Tawau on Sunday.

This pertains to the Prime Minister’s desire, in his capacity as Chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH), to see Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) working together with PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) in preparation for the 17th State Election (PRN17).

According to Hajiji, GRS has no issues with cooperating, but he emphasised that any such decision must first be determined by the coalition’s Supreme Council.

“I met with the Prime Minister, and we greatly respect his views and advice on how to achieve political stability in Sabah, as stability will enable progress and the implementation of various developments for the people, which we deeply appreciate.

“In terms of cooperation, we have no problem, as the current state government is a GRS–PH Plus administration. However, any decision regarding the coming state election will be referred to the GRS Supreme Council.

“I also conveyed to the Prime Minister that in Sabah, we must consider local aspirations when forming political understanding to move forward,” he said.

He made these remarks to reporters after attending the “Session with the Chief Minister: Building Kunak’s Future” event at Padang Pekan Kunak on Monday.

Also present were Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali; State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk James Ratib; Kunak State Assemblywoman, Datuk Norazlinah Arif; and Sabah State Secretary, Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Haji Safar Untong.

Earlier, during his speech at the event, Hajiji reiterated his stance that GRS should lead the state government’s challenge in facing PRN17.

He said he sensed the will of the people of Sabah, who want the state government to be led by a local party, particularly through GRS, which is the only political coalition based on local parties in Sabah.

He added that the achievements of the GRS-led state government are evident, especially in economic development, which should continue to be strengthened through a fresh mandate from the people in PRN17.

“We have implemented many initiatives throughout Sabah that are very beneficial for the future, not just for the development of the state, but also to boost our overall economy.

“I am proud because we have a strong team in the government and the people are giving their full support. We must learn from Sabah’s political history, if we keep fighting, we will remain divided.

“That is why I want GRS to lead in the next state election. I can feel the pulse of the people. Their aspiration is to see a state government led by a local party.

“We must not be distracted—we need to ensure continued support for the current government, whose achievements are already visible,” he said.

Hajiji noted that the achievements of his administration have never been accomplished by previous governments, such as the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with PETRONAS, which has brought significant benefits to Sabah.

He stated that Sabah gained a 20% stake in the Samarang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the Sabah Ammonia Urea (SAMUR) project in Sipitang through this agreement.

“We’ve gained a lot, and negotiations with PETRONAS are ongoing, something that never happened before. If we negotiate well, PETRONAS gives us the opportunity to develop oil and gas in Sabah,” he said.

He also stressed that his government’s performance remains the priority, even though he is frequently targeted by slander, including being labelled a weak leader.

“Although I’m slandered daily—some say Hajiji is soft, sentimental, they don’t truly know me. I’m not easily intimidated, we will fight, because I know the people are behind GRS,” he said.

During the event, Hajiji also announced the handover of land by the Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) as village reserves for Kampung Kunak Jaya, Bagian, and Selamat.

He further announced a state government allocation of RM1.2 million to build a jetty facility in Kampung Pangkalan, as requested by Norazlinah in her capacity as Kunak’s representative.

Hajiji, who is also GRS Chairman, urged the people of Kunak to continue supporting Norazlinah and ensure a GRS victory in PRN17 for the sake of continued development in the district.