SABAH POLLS | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has publicly lauded Sabah caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor, describing him as a principled leader who consistently pushes for people-centric issues without seeking personal gain.
Speaking in Tuaran today, Anwar said Hajiji has never once raised personal requests in federal-state engagements, instead prioritising unresolved basic needs such as water, electricity, roads, and welfare across Sabah.
“Not once did he ask for anything for himself or his family. He tells me day and night. He thinks about the problems of the people in Sabah… ‘Datuk Seri, the roads; Datuk Seri, the water here; Datuk Seri, the electricity…,” he said.
The Harapan chairperson said this during a function with Tuaran local community and business leaders at the Bajau Samah Cultural Hall in Sulaman, where Hajiji, who was also present, is defending his seat for the ninth and final term.
Anwar’s appearance on the last leg of campaigning for the Sabah polls came in the wake of the latest developments surrounding the Sabah corruption mining scandal, which had implicated Hajiji’s administration and, most recently, the prime minister’s former senior political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who has tendered his resignation.
The MACC has cleared Hajiji of involvement in the scandal exposed by businessperson Albert Tei, who was charged with offering bribes to two former Umno assemblypersons - Shahelmey Yahya and Andi Suryadi Bandi - who were also charged with receiving the alleged bribes, and later declared support for GRS.
Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR Selangor chairperson Amirudin Shari, GRS Pantai Dalit candidate Jasnih Daya, and GRS Tamparuli candidate Bonaventure Boniface.
‘Sabah on a mature, stable leadership path’
Meanwhile, Anwar said Hajiji’s approach reflects a phase of mature and stable governance in Sabah, which has strengthened cooperation between the state and federal administrations.
He reiterated that fragmented politics - particularly involving many small parties or independent candidates - would complicate efforts to form a stable government and secure development allocations.
“We are up against too many parties, this is not a trivial matter because we need to safeguard the state.
“If independent candidates win, what can they actually do and who will they refer to?
“To deal with the prime minister, you need clear cooperation and the right channels - only then can decisions be made quickly,” said Anwar.
‘Lots of talk, not much action when in power’
Anwar also took aim at groups who only appear bold during campaign season to criticise, attack and sow division, but did little when they were in power.
He said such political behaviour benefits only certain groups while ordinary people remain burdened.
“What you ask for, we give. What now, you want to fight? You want to quarrel? You quarrel, but you’re rich. When politicians fight, it’s the people who end up poor.
“That’s why I absolutely disagree with this kind of politics. You boast, you attack here and there, you spread slander everywhere, and you’re rich… while the people are poor,” he stressed.
He added that some individuals had failed to deliver meaningful improvements when in office, yet portray themselves as the cleanest and most suitable leaders after losing power.
Political rivals, including from the Shafie Apdal-led Warisan, had targeted Harapan over its continued cooperation with GRS despite previously touting a firm stance against corruption.
Harapan is contesting 22 seats out of the 73-seat state assembly as part of a pact with BN and GRS.
Anwar had said in his first campaign appearance that the coalition will not lead the next state government and it will not have enough seats to form a government on its own. - Mkini
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