Tuaran: Development and reform programmes planned by the Government risk being derailed if the opposition is given the mandate in the 17th State Election on Nov 29.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed this concern based on past experience when Parti Warisan assumed government in 2018.
He said at the time, Warisan acted more out of revenge, including terminating water concessions which caused losses exceeding RM315 million in taxpayers’ money which then disrupted water supply.
“They cut the water concessions, causing the Government to lose RM315 million. They did not consider the consequences; they only wanted revenge, to deceive and slander.
“Leaders like this, and the party they lead, cannot be trusted to govern – it would lead to our destruction. The people need to know this.
“(Warisan President) Shafie has served as a representative for decades, claiming he is the longest-serving, but perhaps he has forgotten. I have never boasted, but if we compare, I have served longer than Shafie,” he said when closing the Tuaran Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) sports and family day at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Thursday.
Hajiji said another leader who was in his Cabinet attempted to seize power through the “Kinabalu Move”, although his performance in government was unsatisfactory.
“During his time in the Cabinet, I do not know how many meetings he actually attended, he did not do his work and there were many potholes.
“Now, after more than three years, he says the Government has failed. But in reality, it is they who have failed, not the Government,” he said.
Hajiji said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government has recorded numerous successes in the fields of economy, investment, education and public welfare, including implementing many new initiatives never carried out by previous administrations.
In this context, he emphasised that the people must give the mandate to GRS to ensure continuity of government achievements and efforts for the benefit of the public.
Hajiji also indicated that he intends to serve for the remainder of the 17th State Legislative Assembly term if GRS maintains its victory in the State Election.
The GRS candidate for the Sulaman seat said he wants to ensure victory for GRS so that the development agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) can continue for another five years before handing over responsibilities to his successor.
As Chief Minister, he said he has striven to the best of his ability for the wellbeing of Sabah and its people, without neglecting his supporters in Sulaman, despite being bound by significant State responsibilities.
“God willing, whatever we do well, God will reward. Do not oppress or pressure anyone. I have never oppressed or pressured anyone, even if they are clearly on the opposition side.
“There are officers appointed previously; as long as their work is good, they continue to perform their duties. That is my principle. So even though I am Chief Minister, I am not adept at side-lining people. If one is too ‘strict’, people think we are weak or sentimental,” he said.
He also reminded all parties, including leaders of GRS component parties and grassroots members in Tuaran, to ensure strong public support for GRS to retain the Government.
“We must have the right spirit to secure our Government’s victory. Rather than choosing others, it is better for the people to choose our party, GRS,” he stressed.