Local Parties Must Dominate Sabah Politics :Hajiji

15 June 2025

KOTA BELUD: Local parties must take a leading role in Sabah’s political landscape and be prioritised when forming alliances in preparation for the 17th State Election (PRN17).

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, emphasised that the government led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which was formed by local parties, must be sustained. He stated that this upcoming election is particularly significant for the coalition.

“We want to continue this government, and that is why, in my view, this election is extremely important. We must not make the wrong choice. Local parties must be dominant in Sabah’s politics, they must be prioritised.

“Cooperation with others is a separate matter, but GRS, as a local coalition, must be defended. This aligns with the sentiment on the ground, where the people want local parties to lead the government.

“As Chairman of GRS, I will ensure this remains the case,” he said during the opening ceremony of the 2025 USNO Central Congress held at the Seri Dungkuan Open Hall in Kampung Rampayan Laut on Sunday.

Hajiji stressed that he would not easily hand over GRS's mandate and struggle to those with harmful intentions towards the coalition.

He therefore expressed hope that all leaders and members of GRS component parties, including USNO, would go to the grassroots level and explain GRS’s mission, which is centred around the philosophies of “Our Home, We Protect” and “Sabah First”.

“This is the core of our struggle in GRS. When we say ‘Our Home, We Protect’, it should be self-explanatory. There’s no need to elaborate too much , it’s simple.

“We look after our home; let us not quarrel. If we fight among ourselves, others will benefit, and we will lose. So, let’s not quarrel. The most important thing is to win the election so we can continue this struggle, support the people, and develop our state,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji, who also chairs GRS, stressed that USNO and other component parties within GRS play equally important roles in the coalition.

“As such, I urge USNO, its leadership, and supporters to give their full commitment to ensuring a GRS victory in the upcoming election.

“This is why USNO’s involvement in GRS is crucial. Not just USNO, but all component parties within GRS have an equally vital role to play in ensuring our strength, especially as we face the fast-approaching election.

“USNO must fully mobilise its efforts alongside GRS so that we can regain the people’s mandate. When we formed GRS, we invited the current component parties to join us in fighting for Sabah’s rights.

“Our intentions are sincere and well-meaning. As Sabahans, we must defend our rights together with one heart,” he said.

He added that no single party can succeed alone in carrying such a great responsibility, which is why GRS needs all its partners to equally shoulder the responsibility – regardless of the size of the party.

“We want to fight for our people who are still left behind and in need of support. We want to improve their standard of living, which remains challenging for many.

“We want to enhance infrastructure and economic development in Sabah. For that reason, I believe GRS, currently in government, must be given a renewed mandate to continue governing Sabah after the election,” he said.

In his speech, Hajiji also expressed his appreciation for USNO’s commitment to GRS, as reflected in its slogan: “USNO and GRS – Inseparable”, as stated by its President, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia.