Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairperson Hajiji Noor is unperturbed about the prospect of Warisan and Sabah Umno teaming up for the next state election.
While the chief minister does not want any party to exit the state government coalition, Hajiji said he is not rattled by regional heavyweights Shafie Apdal and Bung Moktar Radin’s attempts to form a coalition to go up against him in the next polls, which is not due until the end of 2025.
“Don’t worry. They have tried to rattle me many times but we have triumphed.
“The people have given us their trust and support. They want progress and political stability.
“Whether the two parties want to form a pact, that’s their own business. Right now, GRS must carry out the mandate given to us by the people,” Hajiji (above) told Free Malaysia Today.
Sabah state assembly’s term only ends in October next year, but Hajiji recently hinted that state polls might take place earlier than scheduled.
Backing federal govt
He also gave his full support to the federal government helmed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, saying there was no need to create confusion and uncertainty in Malaysia.
“We support Anwar because we want political stability. I can see that he has introduced good policies for the future of Malaysia, policies that will transform Malaysia into a developed country in years to come,” he added.
Like Shafie and Bung, Hajiji also enjoyed a lengthy career in Sabah Umno spanning decades. He switched over to Bersatu and won the 2020 election but has since refocused his support on GRS and backed the coalition federal government.
Shafie declared that Warisan and Sabah Umno were going to work together when Bung made an appearance at a Warisan general assembly last month, although the latter was not as forthcoming.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was said to have flown to Sabah last week to arbitrate in the matter and said that no decision has been made on any electoral pact.
Sabah Umno withdrew its support for Hajiji’s state government on Jan 5 last year, with Bung losing his position as deputy chief minister.
Several Umno assemblypersons left to join GRS parties while others remained with Umno but continued to support Hajiji’s government.
“No one told them to leave the state government. They withdrew their support on their own. I say let it be," Hajiji said.
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