Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Wednesday urged Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) leaders to work tirelessly to secure victory for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates in the coming 17th State Election.
Speaking at a special meeting with Gagasan Rakyat division chiefs at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Hajiji, who is also GRS Chairman cum Gagasan Rakyat President, said unity and cooperation among party leaders at all levels are essential for victory.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the election as the most critical for GRS, particularly amid opposition efforts to undermine the Government through slander and misinformation.
“We must win this election. I know we are facing tremendous pressure, but we must have tolerance and sacrifice. Whatever the party’s decision, we must uphold and respect it and give our full cooperation,” Hajiji said.
He is confident that GRS, together with PH, will secure the people’s mandate, announcing that the coalition’s election machinery will be launched in mid-October.
Defending his administration’s track record, Hajiji pointed out notable achievements over the past five years, including increasing state revenue from RM4 billion to RM7 billion, with projections exceeding RM7 billion next year.
He also cited the landmark agreement with Petronas, which has enabled over 100 local Sabah companies to participate in the oil and gas industry, compared to very few previously.
“The opposition says we have failed, but what failure is there when we can administer the State well and introduce a clear direction to develop Sabah?” Hajiji said, dismissing opposition criticism as attempts to deny the Government’s accomplishments.
Earlier, Hajiji chaired the Gagasan Rakyat Supreme Council Members (AMT) Meeting which was also attended by Deputy President Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Vice Presidents Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Datuk Rubin Balang and Datuk Masiung Banah, Wanita Chief Datuk Redonah Bahanda, Youth Chief Datuk Fairuz Renddan and Beliawanis Chief Emmie Martin Idang.
Also present were Secretary-General Datuk Mohd Razali Razi, State Treasurer Datuk Sri Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar and Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.