Sabahans want local parties to lead state government, says Hajiji

New Straits Times

12-05-2025

KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah want local parties to lead the state government, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"That is why I want Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to lead in the upcoming 17th Sabah election. I feel the pulse of the people.
"Their aspiration is for the state government to be led by a local party.
"We must not think otherwise. We must continue to support the current government, whose achievements are already evident," he said in his speech during the "Programme with the Chief Minister: Building Kunak's Future" at Padang Pekan Kunak here.
At present, the eight-party GRS coalition holds 38 seats in the state assembly, followed by Parti Warisan with 14, Umno with 11, and Pakatan Harapan with seven.
"We have implemented many initiatives across Sabah that will benefit the state's future, not just in terms of development, but also in boosting our overall economy.
"I am proud that we have a strong team in the government and that the people have given us solid support.
"We must learn from Sabah's political history. If we keep fighting, we will remain divided," he said.
Hajiji said the state government's achievements under his leadership are unprecedented, citing the Commercial Cooperation Agreement (CCA) with Petronas as an example, which has brought many benefits to Sabah.
Under the agreement, Sabah secured a 20 per cent stake in the Samarang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the Sabah Ammonia Urea (SAMUR) project in Sipitang.
"There is much we have already gained, and several matters are still being negotiated with Petronas," he said.
At the event, Hajiji also announced the handing over of land under the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) to be gazetted as village reserve land for Kampung Kunak Jaya, Bagian, and Selamat.
He also announced a RM1.2 million state allocation to build jetty facilities in Kampung Pangkalan.