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Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
A most humble Governor
Published on: Sunday, May 25, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 25, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: The writer (left) with Ahmadshah and Toh Puan at the Istana when he received his ASDK in 2004. On the right is Datin Marcella Mally. ON Tuesday (20.5.2025) evening, at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah lost an illustrious son. Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah passed away at the age of 79. The late Tun Ahmadshah needs no introduction to Sabahans, unless one has been sleeping or been overseas all this while. He was born at Kampung Inanam near Manggatal on Dec 9, 1946, the youngest of six siblings. He was buried beside his wife who passed away a few years ago in his village. He began his education at the Government Primary School at Darau, Manggatal (now SK Darau) in 1952. He then attended the La Salleh Secondary School in Tanjung Aru until 1967. The late Tun then began a distinguished career as a civil servant. He became a Customs Officer in Kota Kinabalu on 1 March 1968. He later became an Executive Officer (Rural) and was posted to the Beaufort District Office as an Assistant District Officer (Rural) or ADO on 10 November 1969. It was while in the civil service that he was sent to outh Devon College, Torquay,UK and came back with a Diploma in Development Administration a year later. Advertisement Upon returning from UK, he was seconded to the National Padi and Rice Board (LPN) as Chief Administrative Officer from 14 April 1979 till July 1983. He also served as Secretary of the State Civil Service Commission. Sometime in between all this he won a scholarship to study Political Science at the Indiana State University, USA. Upon his return he joined the State Religious Service as a Prosecutor with the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) from Oct 1986 to Jan 1988. From Jan 1988 to June 1994 he was Secretary of Muis, becoming its administrative head. Between 1994 to 1995 he was Secretary of the Internal Affairs and Research Division of the Chief Minister's Department. From 16 Dec 1995 to March 1998 he was Director of the State Civil Service Department. In the old days this office was known as the State Establishment Office and among its Directors during Usno time was former Berjaya Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Mohd Noor Mansoor. Today the holder is known as Director-General. From 21 March 1998 to his retirement on 8 December 2002, he was further promoted to Deputy State Secretary (Admin), thus ending a distinguished civil service career spanning a few decades. The story goes that when he was about to retire, he was summoned by then Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat. He thought it was just a farewell courtesy call of sorts. He certainly was not prepared for what the Chief Minister had to tell him. Chong wanted him to be the new Governor or TYT beginning 1.1.2023 replacing Tun Sakaran Dandai who had served two terms, the maximum at that time. When interviewed by this writer, Tan Sri Chong had this to say: 'He was shocked. 'I gave him two conditions, first to promise me never to sell any State awards especially the Datukships and secondly to play golf with me after I leave my CM post. (Chong finished his two-year term in March 2003, three months after Tun Ahmadshah became TYT). 'Both he promised straight away but still could not believe his ear hearing from me because he was just a mere TSKN then. 'But of course I told him no guarantee because it's up to the PM then (Dr M) to forward to the Agong.' On why he chose Ahmadshah when he could have chosen a politician especially from Umno, Tan Sri Chong had this to say: 'He was my Deputy State Secretary. I knew him to be conscientious, humble and helpful official. Very much overlooked as a civil servant. 'Hence my decision to tap him for the TYT post. A very humble and very soft -spoken gentleman. 'Never an extremist. Never a racist,' Chong concluded. Perhaps Chong was right, in fact more than right. The story goes that when Ahmadshah was in La Salle, a Catholic school which was then under the watchful eyes of the late Datuk Brother Charles, he even scored good grades for his Scripture Study. Which perhaps helped to shape the person that he later became, including holding the highest office in the Land Below The Wind. Another Muslim old boy of La Salle who went on to become a leader in Sabah is Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Noor Mansoor (Matnor). Which perhaps explains why when he was Finance Minister, Matnor even acting as Fund Raising Chairman for a new Catholic Church in his constituency in Papar. As for not being racial. During his tenure as TYY Tun Ahmadshah gave Datukship to two of his childhhood friends both of whom were non-Muslims. The story goes that they used to bath together in the river as kids. But this is not to say that the duo was not qualified. One, a Kadazan, was a senior civil servant while the other, a Sino, was a Chinese. As for me personally, I first knew him when he was a senior civil servant. I was sent by my former boss to see him and he was very helpful and cooperative. Soft-spoken, always smiling. No wonder Chong chose him as Governor. Talking about Chong, while he was still CM my former boss recommended me for an ASDK. All nominations for ASDK, PGDK and JP must be vetted by and approved personally by the CM except for TYT's own nominations (his quota). In other words, Chong could have struck out my name but he didn't; for which until today I am grateful. I actually got my award in 2002 when Sakaran was the Governor. But I only went up to the Istana to receive my ASDK in 2004 due to waiting for my official uniform. Because the TYT only wears uniform during the actual birthday celebration. It used to be Sept 16 but later first Saturday of October. By the time I went up to Istana, the TYT was already Ahmadshah. He still remembered me and was happy to see me so much so that he obliged for my photo request not once but twice – the first inside the Investiture Hall and the second as we were leaving the Istana. Such a humble TYT. Another close friend of Ahmadshah since childhood is Datuk Iskandar Malik Jangkat. I am not sure if they went to school together but they certainly came from the same area , Manggatal which is just next to Inanam. Malik, a Dusun and a businessman, was awarded the Datukship during Ahmadshah's time. Then Iskandar got the idea for the formation of the the Sabah Datuks Association (Majlis Datuk-Datuk Negeri Sabah) and the association was born with the blessings of the TYT. Ever since its formation, the Majlis has held annual dinner in conjunction with His Excellency's birthday. But it's not just about celebrating the birthday. They do charity too and normally donations for charity are made during the dinner. Iskandar has since retired and became the Adviser but he went on to become the Chairman of the Malaysian Datuks Association. Quite and achievement for a Sabahan. The Chairman of the Malaysian Justice of Peace Association is also a Sabahan. The TAS Oil and Gas Academy was a collaboration between UMSLink Holdings and Silverkris Sdn Bhd in which Iskandar was involved, but mooted by Ahmadshah himself. After his retirement as TYT, Ahmadshah became Chairman of Azam Jaya Berhad, now a public-listed company and leader in Sabah's construction industry. However, he was there only for a few years and later completely retired until his recent death. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Stronger BN will mean a weaker PH
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: HARDLY a week passes without something 'political' happening in Sabah. After all, politics is many Sabahans' cup of tea, including the soothsayers in the coffeeshops. Speaking in Sandakan at the party's Hari Raya celebrations late April, Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin warned that if the party continued to be belittled by GRS partners, and that if their demand for seats were not entertained, Usno may consider contesting on its own in the coming State election. Advertisement This led to a reply by two divisional-level PGRS leaders who said that if Usno felt that it was belittled, it was free to leave GRS. PGRS deputy divisional chiefs for Bingkor, Rafie Robert and Kiulu, Datuk Datuk George Teo said unity among GRS components is important for victory in the coming State election. Interestingly, Rafie is the son of Datuk Robert Tawik who is Star deputy president and an Assistant Minister as well as Bingkor Assemblyman. 'But if you are dissatisfied….don't force yourself to stay….just leave. If your intention is no longer aligned with GRS, it's time to go. This coalition was not built to serve personal interests, but the rakyat's,' said Rafie. 'If you feel suffocated being in the coalition please leave and make yourself happy. No one will also stop Usno from contesting all 73 seats,' said Teo. Advertisement For the record, Usno under the label Usno Baru contested 47 seats in 2020 and won none. Usno president Pandikar himself was defeated in his hometown Kota Belud where he began his political career in the early 1980s. Pandikar was reported to have said that 'Any questions as to why Usno might consider going solo in the election should be directed at GRS leaders. 'You should ask the Chief Minister, ask Jeffrey, ask Masidi, ask Yong Teck Lee,' he was reported to have said. The first to respond was Yong who defended Pandikar. He was followed by Jeffrey. One must understand the relationship between Pandikar, Yong and Jeffrey. The trio have been 'comrades-in-arms' since years ago when they were all in the opposition, i.e PBS. When Warisan was in power, the trio were united in the Opposition. Pandikar headed Usno, Yong Sapp and Jeffrey Star. Beginning with Kundasang years ago, the trio never missed and spoke at Sabah Day rally. When Warisan was in power, the trio attended a similar rally and spoke at Jeffrey's house in Kota Kinabalu. Their unifying factor was SAPP advisor, former Berjaya Minister Datuk Matnor Mansor. Then Warisan was defeated, New CM Hajiji launched the first official Sabah Day in Tambunan about two years ago. And together with National Day or Merdeka, it was declared a holiday, last year. Never mind the fact that there was no additional holiday. The trio's dream and what they had fought for all these years gained the State Government's recognition at last. So, for anybody to attack one of them, in this case Pandikar, it's just like 'Cubit Paha Kiri, Paha Kanan terasa juga' (If you pinch your left thigh, your right thigh will also feel the pain). For Jeffrey, no problem. His party has six seats which explains why he is DCM. For Yong and Pandikar it's a different story because their parties have no seats. Yong is a Nominated Assemblyman though. After Yong and Jeffrey's statement in defense of Pandikar, one would have thought it was 'case closed'. However, another grassroot level PGRS leader issued a statement. Sook Gagasan Rakyat chief Abi Wednes Gagamboi said if unity is the goal, then those who threatened to fracture the coalition must be called out – not younger leaders who are speaking up to defend it. 'Hence, it is ironic for Jeffrey and Yong to mention unity in GRS but not reprimand their long-time ally Pandikar,' he added. Then on May 8, 2025 the frontpage headline of Daily Express screamed: 'GRS is still one happy family: CM' complete with a picture of Hajiji hugging Pandikar and Jeffrey together with Yong. That closes the chapter, at least for now. I suppose directives have meantime gone out to all grassroot leaders to make no more statements. Two days later, Kuala Lumpur dropped a bombshell saying that Pakatan Harapan (PH) led by PM Anwar and Barisan Nasional (BN) led by DPM Ahmad Zahid had reached a deal to work together to face the Sabah election. There was no mention of GRS, nor Warisan or KDM. The very next day, GRS chairman and Sabah CM Hajiji issued a statement saying if that was the case, then GRS might consider going solo in the election. GRS is part of the Federal Unity Government whereby it has a full Minister and a Deputy Minister plus a few more MPs. PH is also part of the State Government with its components PKR and DAP having a Minister and an Assistant Minister each. BN, however, is Opposition at the State level. They used to be part of the State government but two years ago their Sabah branch leaders staged a coup which failed to unseat Hajiji and his government. With that kind of a background, what do you expect? What do you take Sabahans for? Stupid fools? Enough of this 'big brother' thing which Sabahans were subjected to for decades. Hajiji's statement must have taken KL off-guard and instantly component parties of GRS, for that matter Sabahans at large, gave their blessings for GRS to go solo. Instantly, Sabahans were united. The very next day, PM Anwar flew into Tawau to officiate a function. He explained to reporters that the KL statement was issued based on the understanding between PH and BN only. On the part involving GRS, he would talk to Hajiji once he is in Sabah. Whether this is true or not, only Anwar knows. He did say that he could only speak on behalf of PH, but it depends on Hajiji on his reception of BN, adding that Hajiji seemed positive to the suggestion. Hajiji in his reaction said he had to refer the matter to the GRS council as he could not make the decision alone. Good answer. After all, GRS is a coalition of 8 parties and for Hajiji to commit anything without consulting them would be disaster. Another thing, in Tawau Anwar never said should the PKR-BN-GRS win the election, who would be CM? Renowned Sabah political writer Selvaraja Somiah described Anwar's non-disclosure as 'evasive'. Another writer, CC, described Anwar as 'suspiciously vague'. To be fair, however, I would give Anwar the benefit of the doubt. He twice defended Hajiji's Chief Ministership and I have no reason to believe that he would not for a third time. Let's say that he has his own agenda this time around. The logical thing to do is to pick a CM from within his own PH. When I say PH it's not necessary PKR or DAP. Don't forget PH now has a Sabah-based party, UPKO. In the event that GRS really goes it alone, then my bet is Anwar will choose someone from Upko to be the CM. By doing so, it counters the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan of GRS or to be exact Jeffrey. Because Upko is also a local party, so GRS cannot say that local parties are being sidelined. What added to my suspicion, apart from Anwar's silence in Tawau, is a recent joint-statement by Upko and PBRS to ask that they be the 'bridge' with KL. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what that means. I mean, GRS is officially still a part of the Federal Madani Government and has not even made a decision on Anwar's offer to GRS to work with BN. What's the hurry? Can't wait? If GRS' final decision is not to work with BN, then the Upko-PBRS statement is justified. But a decision has not even been reached. You don't do that to your existing coalition partners. Even if a decision has been reached and GRS is to go it alone, the new CM oes not necessarily come from Upko or PBRS bah. It can come from PKR and DAP bah as long as they are Sabahans. PKR's Christine Liew has gained enough experience to be CM, having been a DCM and MP before. DAP's Ginger Phoong is also CM material. I don't think Anwar would want someone from BN to be the CM for the simple reason that strengthening BN would weaken his own PH. If he wanted Umno to lead the statement, he would have sided them when they almost unseated Hajiji two years ago. Instead, he gave his blessings for his PH Assemblymen to be part of the Hajiji-led State Government. I just don't see how GRS can work with BN. Even before GRS say yes to 'marriage', Umno president Ahmad Zahid already talked big. First, he said Umno must get back all the seats that it won in 2020. Second, he said the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan is not suitable and is divisive. A leopard never changes its skin. He is still behaving like the old days when Umno was king and Sabahans had to listen to them. He forgot that Sabahans already threw out Umno in 2018. Old habits die hard. Umno is still behaving like a 'Big Brother' to Sabahans and that we must listen to or obey them. Well, Sabahans, the ball is at your feet now. In conclusion, talk much also no use. Cakap banyak tiada guna. Coalition or no coalition. PH or BN or GRS, whichever party wins the most seats, they will get the CMship. If GRS were to agree to the merger, will they still get the majority seats that they are enjoying now? Politics is the art of the possible. If GRS is pushed to the wall, what is there to stop from forming a coalition with Warisan or KDM? Then it will become Sabah for local parties just like Sarawak. Afterall, PM's offer was only for GRS. There was no mention of Warisan or KDM. In politics, there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends. Who had expected PH to be part of the present State Government? Happy voting. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Don't expect seats if cannot win: Hajiji
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 Text Size: 'So, if you demand seats but cannot guarantee a win, that will be a tough sell. We have to accept this reality,' Hajiji said. Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor pointed out to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) components that it is no use wanting to contest in the coming Sabah election if they do not stand any chance of winning. The Chief Minister said the ruling State coalition is open to fielding candidates from any of its component parties, provided they have the potential to win. He said the coalition's priority is to ensure its candidates can garner public support and secure victory for GRS. 'We have to ensure that if we field a candidate, they must be someone who can win. It doesn't matter which party they come from; what matters is their ability to contribute to the coalition's victory. 'So, if you demand seats but cannot guarantee a win, that will be a tough sell. We have to accept this reality,' he said. His remarks come amid tensions within the coalition, particularly with component party Usno, which expressed dissatisfaction over feeling sidelined and threatened to leave the eight-party alliance to contest independently. Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia claimed that some GRS leaders dismissed Usno's right to demand seats despite its grassroots efforts. It was reliably learnt that one component leader was also hoping to field his wife and son under the GRS banner. Hajiji said negotiations over election alliances are ongoing within GRS and with its Unity Government partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH). 'Right now, the government is a GRS–PH government. In that context, we begin our discussions. But nothing has been finalised yet. 'The seat distribution among GRS components has not been resolved, and cooperation on seat allocation with PH is still under discussion. 'When the state assembly is dissolved, only athen can we announce that everything has been finalised,' he said. Hajiji also held a meeting with all component party leaders in Sri Gaya on Wednesday and later released a statement accompanied by photos claiming that all was well within the coalition. 'Some may call it tension, but it's not really tension — more like an exchange of views. We are continuously discussing the interests of our coalition, especially as we prepare for the next general election. 'If there are differences in opinion, that is normal in politics. What matters is that we remain united for the coalition's and Sabah's interests,' he said. The last state election was held in September 2020, with the next state election expected later this year. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No point seeking seats without strong candidates, Hajiji tells GRS components
KOTA KINABALU, May 8 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is open to fielding candidates from any of its component parties, provided they have the potential to win in the upcoming general election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the Sabah chief minister, said the coalition's priority is to ensure that its candidates can garner public support and secure victory for GRS. He added that there is no point in seeking seats if the candidates are not winnable. 'We have to ensure that if we field a candidate, they must be someone who can win. It doesn't matter which party they come from; what matters is their ability to contribute to the coalition's victory. 'So, if you demand seats but cannot guarantee a win, that will be a tough sell. We have to accept this reality,' he told reporters after attending the swearing-in ceremony for Tuaran district council members for the 2025–2027 term in Tuaran today. His remarks come amid tensions within the coalition, particularly with component party Usno, which has expressed dissatisfaction over feeling sidelined and has threatened to leave the eight-party alliance to contest independently. Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia claimed that some GRS leaders dismissed Usno's right to demand seats despite its grassroots efforts. Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan supported Pandikar's grievances, pointing to marginalisation within GRS, insufficient internal consultation, and the need to restore Sabah-based leadership as valid concerns aligned with the coalition's founding objectives. Both leaders have also reiterated their call for a unity meeting involving all Sabah-based parties, not just GRS components. Hajiji, however, assured today that negotiations over election alliances are ongoing within GRS and with its Unity Government partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH). 'Right now, the government is a GRS–PH government. In that context, we begin our discussions. But nothing has been finalised yet. The seat distribution among GRS components has not been resolved, and cooperation on seat allocation with PH is still under discussion. 'When the state assembly is dissolved, only then can we announce that everything has been finalised,' he said. Hajiji also held a meeting with all component party leaders yesterday and later released a statement accompanied by photos claiming that all was well within the coalition. 'Some may call it tension, but it's not really tension—more like an exchange of views. We are continuously discussing the interests of our coalition, especially as we prepare for the next general election. 'If there are differences in opinion, that is normal in politics. What matters is that we remain united for the coalition's and Sabah's interests,' he said. The last state election was held in September 2020, with the next state election expected later this year.
Malay Mail
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Sabah CM Hajiji reassures unity within GRS amid tensions over Usno's demands
KOTA KINABALU, May 8 — Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said all is well within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) family. The Chief Minister had a high-tea meeting with all seven presidents of the GRS components at Sri Gaya here on Thursday, which he described as cordial. 'All presidents had pledged to ensure GRS's victory in the coming elections. 'I appreciate their views and opinions. They are all matured political leaders and understood the importance of GRS as a united front going into the elections,' he said. Hajiji who is GRS chairman and Gagasan Rakyat president, spent almost three hours with Parti Bersatu Sabah Acting President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Star President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, Parti Cinta Sabah President Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Sabah Progressive Party President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, Liberal Democratic Party President Datuk Chin Su Phin and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah President Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah. Also present was Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Deputy President Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. The meeting follows the warning by Pandikar that Usno may break away from the GRS coalition and contest the upcoming state election independently if the party continues to be sidelined. Pandikar recently expressed frustration over what he called a dismissive attitude from some GRS leaders, who have questioned Usno's right to demand seats despite its grassroots efforts. Jeffrey said Pandikar's remarks on Usno's marginalisation within GRS, the lack of internal consultation and the need to restore Sabah-based leadership are valid and consistent with the original objectives of GRS. He also renewed his long-standing call for a unity meeting involving not just GRS components, but all Sabah-based parties. Yong also reponded by advising his coalition allies to stay humble, saying certain junior leaders in Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah should be honest with themselves about their party's strength after asking Usno to leave GRS if they feel been belittled. — The Borneo Post
