Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor hopes youngsters, who make up half of Sabah’s 1.72 million registered voters, will make a wise decision in the imminent 17th State Election (PRN17).
He said young people should give the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government the mandate to continue implementing the state’s development direction through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.
“I hope they will give the government a chance because we have a clear direction to develop Sabah and strengthen its economy.
“We also want to ensure political stability in Sabah, and that is why I have said we must continue to cooperate with the Federal Government and maintain the GRS-Pakatan Harapan (PH) partnership in this coming election.” He said this during the Tamu Suara 360: Aspirasi Anak Muda Sabah 2025 programme held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Saturday.
He urged the younger generation in the state not to waste the opportunity that comes once every five years to shape a better future for Sabah through the current government under his leadership.
He said Sabah can no longer afford to lag behind, as the state has great potential to become progressive and successful.
“Therefore, make the best choice in the coming PRN17 to ensure continuity of development, political stability and the well-being of the people. This state election is our golden opportunity to choose a strong government — and most importantly, one dominated by local parties,” he said.
Hajiji also said that young people must be wise in evaluating the government’s efforts and take into account its achievements so far, adding that he wants the youth to become agents in helping to explain these accomplishments to the public.
He went on to highlight the importance of the GRS-PH cooperation in ensuring political stability in Sabah and maintaining close ties with the Federal Government.
“What we want is progress, and to achieve that, we need support from the Federal Government. However, there are leaders in Sabah with differing views, which I believe could harm Sabah’s future.
“That is why we decided that GRS and PH should continue their cooperation. God willing, we will succeed, and I hope the youth will take this opportunity to choose a government with clear policies to develop the economy and advance Sabah.
“We cannot progress based on emotions alone — enough of what happened in the past. We often compare why we are left behind in many sectors, and that is because we keep changing governments. Look at the Pan Borneo project; when the new government took over, the PDP was cancelled, and we fell behind by four years,” he said.
At the event, Hajiji also shared his hopes and aspirations for Sabah, which he has led for the past five years.
“I want Sabah to have political stability so that we can implement government programmes, develop the economy, and create better opportunities for young people.
“Today, everything is at our fingertips with the advancement of technology that we must master, as Sabah cannot afford to be left behind in any area — including AI, TVET, and other fields.
“But most importantly, we must stay united, maintain stability, and strengthen cooperation between the state and federal governments. God willing, Sabah will continue to progress and prosper,” he said.