KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor refutes claims that he is a weak or indecisive leader.
Maintaining that he stands firm in defending the interests of Sabah and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, he said detractors who accused him of being soft or sentimental clearly misunderstood his leadership style.
“People say I am too soft or sentimental, but those who say that don’t know me. I do not back down easily.
“We will stand our ground, because I know the people are with GRS,” he said, addressing the crowd at the Gathering with the Chief Minister: Building Kunak’s Future event on Monday (May 12).
He stressed that GRS should continue to lead the state government in the upcoming 17th state election, in line with the people’s aspiration for Sabah to be led by a local party.
“GRS remains the only Sabah-based coalition, and we have proven our capabilities, especially in economic development. The people want continuity, and we must stay focused,” he said.
Hajiji pointed to landmark achievements under his leadership, including the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with PETRONAS, which secured Sabah a 20% equity in the Samarang Production Sharing Contract and participation in the Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) project in Sipitang.
“These are significant milestones that were never achieved before. We are continuing negotiations with PETRONAS, and they have shown willingness to work with us to further develop Sabah’s oil and gas industry,” he said.
He said GRS had launched numerous initiatives across the state to boost development and improve the economy, and should be given a fresh mandate to continue its work.
“I am proud of our strong government team and the people’s solid support. Sabah’s political history has taught us that division and infighting only hold us back. That is why I want GRS to lead in the elections,” he said.
During the event, Hajiji also announced the gazetting of Housing and Urban Development Board land as village reserves for Kampung Kunak Jaya, Bagian, and Selamat.
In addition, he approved a RM1.2mil state allocation to build a jetty at Kampung Pangkalan, following a request from Kunak assemblyman Datuk Norazlinah Arif.
As GRS chairman, Hajiji called on Kunak residents to continue supporting Norazlinah
and ensure a GRS victory in the elections for the continued development of the district.
Also present were Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk James Ratib and Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
