KOTA KINABALU: Differing political views do not deter the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah - Pakatan Harapan Plus from remaining fair to all parties in the state, including the opposition.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that despite the various criticisms and slanders thrown at him and his government, fairness remains his guiding principle.
He stated that based on this principle, he strives to treat Sabahans equally, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.
In a personal gesture, Hajiji revealed that he had even approved scholarships for children of opposition leaders, underscoring his concern for the future of Sabah's youth.
"Take the case of (Warisan information chief Datuk) Mohd Azis Jaman’s child, whose scholarship application was approved. What more do we need to prove? I was fair when he and his wife came to my office. Out of concern for their children, we approved the scholarship. I don’t just think of party members but of everyone.
“Other opposition leaders’ children have also benefited from government assistance. We cannot turn a blind eye. We don’t hold grudges or exert pressure, even though we’re the government," Hajiji said during the 2024 annual division meeting of Parti Gagasan Rakyat in Sulaman Hall, Tuaran, on Sunday (Sept 8).
As Gagasan Rakyat's president, Hajiji called on grassroots leaders, including branch heads, village chiefs and the Village Development and Security Committee chairmen, to follow the same principle of fairness.
"Anyone in the villages who requires assistance should not be treated unfairly. Provide accurate information to the government or the elected representatives.
"This principle has guided me for 35 years as Sulaman’s assemblyman. While there are those who may dislike me, that’s fine. I don’t hold grudges," he said.
