Hajiji stresses federal–state cooperation key to Sabah’s future
by Mariah Doksil · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Nov 27): Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has reiterated that close cooperation between the state and federal governments remains crucial in charting Sabah’s future, stressing that such alignment continues to deliver tangible benefits for the state and its people.
Speaking at a gathering with local leaders and entrepreneurs in Lok Batik on Thursday, Hajiji said the positive working relationship between Sabah and the federal government, particularly under the Madani administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim, has opened doors to engagements never experienced before.
He recounted his recent involvement in high-level discussions with the Indonesian government, an initiative driven by the Prime Minister, which saw him and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg joining Anwar on a trip to Jakarta.
“When we held negotiations with the Indonesian government, the Prime Minister invited me and the Sarawak Premier for a meeting with President Prabowo (Subianto) in Jakarta.
“This is a federal matter, but it concerns Sabah as it relates to the Kalimantan border. The Prime Minister wanted us there to state our position directly to President Prabowo.
“This has never happened before. It is foreign affairs, normally not our jurisdiction, yet we were flown together with the Prime Minister on the jet. No previous Prime Minister has done this,” he said.
Hajiji added that Anwar had encouraged him to express Sabah’s views during the meeting, a gesture he described as unprecedented and reflective of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
“The outcome was good. This is what comes from a strong relationship with the federal leadership, and such ties must be preserved,” he stressed.
The event, held at the Rumpun Bajausama Sabah Cultural Centre, was also attended by the Prime Minister, who delivered a speech ahead of polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election this Saturday.
Hajiji said this was why the previous state administration under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) should be maintained.
“There are people who like to pick fights with the federal government. What’s the point? We must safeguard national interests as well.
“Don’t think only about state rights while undermining the country. Here in Sabah, you can even have 14 candidates contesting one seat, that’s how colourful Sabah politics can be.
“Some candidates stand despite having no real chance of winning. I’m not belittling anyone, but I urge voters not to choose those who were previously given the chance to govern and failed,” he said.
Hajiji pointed out that the GRS–PH government had successfully managed Sabah over the last five years, uplifting the state’s economy through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development blueprint.
“I hope the people of Sabah, especially in Tuaran, will not choose the wrong government. Choose one that can drive progress and development for the rakyat and for the state.
“Do not pick a government that was once given two and a half years to govern and failed, one that Sabahans rejected in the last election,” he added.
The GRS chairman, who is also the coalition’s candidate for the Sulaman seat, expressed confidence that the four GRS candidates contesting in Tuaran, namely Sulaman, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu, would secure victories on polling day.
He also thanked Anwar, describing him as a Prime Minister who genuinely cares for Sabah, for travelling to Tuaran to uplift the spirit of voters just two days before the state goes to the polls.