KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has no reservations about continuing cooperation with Sabah Pakatan Harapan under its newly elected chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman expressed confidence that the partnership between the two coalitions will remain robust, serving the state’s interests.
"There is no issue at all. He (Benedick) is a friend within Pakatan and a leader we have worked with before, so we will continue our collaborative efforts," Hajiji told reporters here on Tuesday (Dec 3).
Earlier, he launched the Tuaran District Economic Development Strategic Plan 2024–2035 at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
Hajiji, who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president, had been asked about Upko president Benedick’s election as Sabah Pakatan chairman, succeeding state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
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The leadership change had raised speculation about its potential impact on the alliance between GRS and Sabah Pakatan, with less than a year before the 17th state election is due.
Hajiji noted the significant potential of the partnership between Pakatan – comprising PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko – and GRS, which is made up of eight local parties.
"GRS itself comprises multiple parties, and strengthening this partnership with Sabah Pakatan will benefit everyone involved," he said.
He extended his congratulations to Benedick, who is also federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, and said he was optimistic there would be greater collaboration and unity between GRS and Sabah Pakatan.
Sabah Pakatan’s annual general meeting on Sunday (Dec 1) saw Benedick win the chairman’s post, defeating Liew by just three votes.
