Hajiji calls for continued unity to face election

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 17): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor called on all Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) members and supporters to continue to be united as they gear up for the 17th state election.

“As we approach next year’s election, we remain committed to offering the GRS-PH Plus coalition to the people, emphasizing the need to complete our development agenda. I firmly believe that with LDP’s steadfast support, we will secure a strong mandate in the 17th State Election, continuing our legacy of success since assuming office in September 2020,” he said when officiating Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) congress here on Sunday.

The GRS chairman stressed that the upcoming election demands heightened cooperation, unity and strategic refinement to ensure that the coalition remains the people’s top choice, adding, “Our sincerity, dedication and commitment to developing the state and defending the people’s rights will guide us to victory.

“I call on all LDP members and GRS supporters to stand firm under our shared banner. Let us celebrate unity and collaboration, making them the cornerstone of our strength in facing political adversaries.

Despite occasional slow progress, continuous forward movement will lead us to victory,” he said.

He pointed out that unity breeds strength which leads to success and that together, they will overcome challenges, build strength and achieve greatness.

According to Hajiji, he emphasized during the recent Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah’s (Gagasan Rakyat) Annual General Assembly that GRS, as Sabah’s foremost coalition, is the best platform for all Sabahans.

GRS, he said, collectively fights for the state’s and people’s rights in the spirit of unity and solidarity and the GRS-PH Plus government also serves as the best platform for all citizens by promoting inclusivity, uplifting the people, and safeguarding the state’s sovereignty, placing Sabah firmly on the path to progress and excellence.

“Therefore, as a GRS component party, I urge LDP members to embrace a broader perspective in all actions and movements. We are mutual partners within GRS, offering support, advice and collaboration for collective unity and excellence.

“Over the past four years, GRS has faced numerous challenges, including political stabilization and economic recovery. We have successfully navigated these challenges, strengthening our GRS coalition, with LDP as a vital part of this noble struggle to maintain stability and foster enduring prosperity,” he said.

However, Hajiji said a new challenge tests their resilience and emerging alongside advancements in science, technology and human civilization, the challenge stems from the opposition’s malicious tactics to undermine the GRS-PH Plus government through false accusations and misinformation.

“This is a critical battle that we must confront head-on to prevent the public from being misled by these deceitful efforts, particularly in this era of advanced technology dominated by social media and artificial intelligence.

“We must refute and dismantle all lies and slander to prevent the public from being deceived or swayed by those seeking to topple the government immorally. With its experience and wisdom, LDP can play a crucial role in countering the opposition’s propaganda and dirty tactics,” he said.

The Gagasan Rakyat president added that LDP has evolved into a progressive and mature political entity, capable of making positive contributions towards the coalition’s efforts to achieve progress and prosperity.

“These efforts are rooted in the grand agenda of the State Government, namely the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Halatuju. I extend my congratulations to the LDP president and the entire leadership team.

He also said that within the larger GRS family, despite their differing backgrounds in terms of struggle approaches and political ideologies, their goals remain the same which is the prosperity of the state and the well-being of its people.

The eight parties within GRS, with LDP as one of them, form the largest political coalition in Sabah today, reflecting the readiness, unity and solidarity of Sabahans in championing the state’s rights and the diverse rights of its people, said Hajiji.

“This coalition demonstrates our collective strength in the struggle. If this unity continues to strengthen over time, there is no reason we cannot secure a majority in elections or at least win comfortably.

“I am confident that LDP, now in its 35th year, will continue to contribute ideas and share experiences to strengthen unity within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. Thirty-five years is a considerable time for a political party, and LDP should be proud of its resilience, even as leadership changes over time,” he stressed.

Hajiji also said that over the past four years, the state government has implemented numerous initiatives to drive change and progress in the state and since its launch in March 2021, the SMJ Hala Tuju has revitalized Sabah’s economy.

Last year alone, Sabah attracted investments totaling RM11.34 billion, ranking seventh nationwide. Next year, several companies will begin operations in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), with investments worth billions.

“Our success stems from our political determination, including efforts to stabilize politics, rejuvenate the economy, enhance public service delivery, and maintain strong federal relations. These efforts have placed Sabah on the right track, and we hope the public will continue to mandate us in the next election to further our SMJ agenda,” he added.

Towards holistic and inclusive development, in line with SMJ’s agenda, Hajiji disclosed that the State Government has allocated substantial funds for human capital development, including for Chinese schools.

The Sabah State Government Scholarship fund has been doubled to RM118 million, helping more eligible Sabahans pursue higher education. Additional initiatives, such as the Sabah State Education Fund and Sabah Welfare Foundation, aim to assist the needy.

“On our efforts in the oil and gas sector, following the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas in December 2021, we have secured significant stakes in Sabah’s oil and gas fields. Petronas has also paid a 5% sales tax and royalties.

“These initiatives reflect our dedication to advancing the state and improving the welfare of the people over the past four years. With continued support from all, including LDP and other GRS components, we will enhance these efforts for the benefit of Sabah. As partners in nation-building, we will maintain strong federal-state relations for mutual success,” he said.