KOTA KINABALU: Do not let Sabah fall back into the hands of those who are fighting to win on the basis of revenge, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah president said if Sabah let those who failed to govern the state in the past, the people would suffer.
"Do not let these people who failed to govern, who have no clear vision for Sabah’s development and those who politic because of revenge, return to power," he said when launching the GRS election machinery here, Sunday (Oct 19).
Hajiji said GRS, through its Sabah Maju Jaya development policies and initiatives, has got the development and solutions to pressing issues moving.
The event saw leaders and members from other GRS component parties attending in full force.
The leaders were Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Datuk Seri Anifah Aman of Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan), Datuk Chin Su Phin of Liberal Democratic Action Party (LDP) and Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia of Usno, among others.
Later, when speaking to media personnel, Hajiji said the seat allocations for GRS and its partner Sabah Pakatan Harapan were almost final.
"Actually, we can say that all has been settled, from the seats to how many numbers, but we cannot announce yet," he said.
He also said if there were issues, it was only on one or two seats but even that, he is sure the matter will be settled very soon.
On questions of whether there were attempts to buy off any GRS leaders or members, Hajiji said he is unsure.
"But if there are attempts, we will …," he said, leaving his sentence hanging.
When asked to comment on Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s recent insults to GRS, calling them ‘no class’ and ‘liars’, he chose to ignore and not comment on such matters.
"We know Bung’s style. Let him say whatever he wants. I don’t respond to such comments," he said.
Hajiji also said Opposition parties should not peddle false narratives and unfeasible promises.
"Don't be political shamans who 'sell medicine' full of spells but never a cure," he said.
he said the people want solutions to existing issues, many of which were already being addressed with projects and policies in place for water supply, electricity, infrastructure and socio-economic development.
Hitting back at those calling GRS a failed government, he said there was a track record of success evident with the many projects and agreements achieved such as the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas, which allowed greater state participation in the oil and gas sector.
"Those who failed were past leaders and governments who were not able to do anything substantial for the state, even when they were in power," he added.
He added that the GRS remained strong despite some member parties leaving, adding that the coalition would remain strong if members and leaders set aside their differences and work together as one.
"There is no other fully-local coalition bigger and as united as GRS," he said.
Hajiji also said should there be a change in state government, all ongoing projects and policies would be stopped, just like what happened in the past.
"We would lose the golden opportunity to continue our fight for state rights to bring prosperity for Sabah and its people," he said.
