KOTA KINABALU: All component parties in the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) must prioritise Sabah's interests and those of the coalition above party or individual interests to ensure the state's political strength remains intact, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The GRS chairman said that Sabah's ability to wield stronger bargaining power at the Federal level must begin with unity within GRS itself, rather than being overshadowed by internal disputes, competition for positions and political egos.
"There is no point praising the unity of others if we are still quarrelling within our own GRS house. Sabah's strength actually begins here, from our own strength," he said when delivering the keynote address at the first GRS Convention 2026 at Dewan Tun Mustapha in Northern Kudat on Sunday (Oct 18).
Hajiji, who is also Chief Minister, said the coalition was established in 2020 based on the aspirations of Sabahans who wanted stronger local political representation to determine the state's future, defend the people's interests and ensure a stable administration.
He said GRS' success in emerging as the largest bloc in the 17th Sabah state election in November last year was not the result of one party or leader alone, but the collective contribution of all component parties, leaders and members of the coalition.
"There is no party so large that it no longer needs its partners. And there is no party so small that its contribution can be ignored. Everyone has a role to play," he said.
He said the interests of GRS must take precedence over those of any individual component party, while Sabah's interests must always come before the coalition's interests to ensure its struggle remains centred on the people and the state.
Speaking at the convention attended by some 3,000 leaders from the grassroots of its six component parties, Hajiji xpressed appreciation to grassroots members who sacrificed their time, energy and personal resources during election campaigns, including using their own vehicles and spending time away from their families for the party's cause.
He said these largely unsung individuals, who rarely receive media attention, form the foundation of GRS' strength and their sacrifices must not be forgotten once victory is achieved.
"These are the people who truly form the foundation of GRS' strength. Those of us on this stage today are here because many people below and outside helped and lifted us to this position. Therefore, we must never forget them," he said.
Referring to the decision of its previous component parties – Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Usno - to leave GRS before and after the state election, Hajiji said the decision by certain parties to leave the coalition and pursue their own path should serve as a lesson for GRS to further strengthen unity, make more mature decisions and set aside political egos.
He said Sabah's diverse society and varying voter preferences must be understood and respected, while GRS should continue strengthening its organisation and cooperation among component parties to maintain public confidence.
According to him, people do not live on rhetoric alone but want better livelihoods, employment opportunities, a stronger economy and a stable government capable of solving problems.
"The people want a stable government, one that is not merely good at speaking but capable of solving problems. We may win with our speeches on stage, but lose when it comes to winning the hearts of the people," he said.
Hajiji stressed that being a local party alone is not enough to earn public trust, as confidence must be built through effective governance and development that can be felt in people's daily lives.
Ahead of the next general election, he said discussions on candidates and seat allocations would inevitably test the loyalty and camaraderie of component parties, especially when some parties are required to compromise and accept decisions that may not meet their expectations.
He said every leader must distinguish between defending principles and defending ego, and should not use the failure to secure a seat as a reason to sulk, refuse cooperation or attack fellow partners.
Hajiji also reminded prospective GRS candidates not to become arrogant after winning, as every victory depends on the support of machinery from various component parties, including those who were not selected to contest.
"No GRS candidate wins alone. Behind every victory is machinery from various parties. Remember, politics is always changing. Today we may be strong, tomorrow may be a different story," he said.
He said relationships within GRS must be built on trust and mutual respect, while creating space for younger generations to take on responsibilities and contribute fresh ideas, with the experience of senior leaders continuing to serve as a guide for the coalition's future.
He reminded leaders that positions are not permanent and are merely a trust held for a limited period, and therefore should not be defended at the expense of responsibility to the people.
"That is why we should never become so attached to our seats that we forget why we were given those seats in the first place," he said.
Hajiji said that GRS' four guiding principles - Sabah First, Sabah United, Sabah Forward and Sabah Prosper - must be demonstrated through commitment, action and service to the people, rather than remaining mere slogans.
