KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor revealed that a federal leader’s apparent disdain for the term ‘Borneo Bloc’ was the turning point that led him to throw his support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government.

In his winding-up speech at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general convention here today, Hajiji shared how the encounter reshaped his political stance and influenced Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) current federal alignment.

“That was before. Not a leader from the Unity Government. That was back then… before the Unity Government,” said Hajiji, recounting a meeting with a former federal leader who dismissed the idea of Bornean cooperation.

“When I heard those words, that is when I made the decision to support the Unity Government. Because to me, those words did not sit well. He did not like the Borneo Bloc,” he later said when met by reporters at the end of the event.

Hajiji in his speech earlier, related to the delegates that he was accompanied by Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan during the meeting, where the federal leader not only declared himself “the master” but also objected to Sabah and Sarawak sharing experiences.

“He did not want us to engage with our neighbours in Sarawak. I was deeply shocked by his words. I thought long and hard about what he meant and why he said it,” Hajiji told party delegates.

“That moment caused me to lose heart in that leadership direction. After much reflection, I decided to bring GRS to support the Unity Government.”

“Alhamdulillah, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Unity Government has listened to our voices and treated us well. Therefore, I want to state once again that GRS remains firmly in support of the Prime Minister of Malaysia,” he said.

He added that long-standing demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are finally being addressed under Anwar’s administration.

“Before this, it was extremely difficult to get them to devolve power or approve our requests. So, what are we hoping for? If the Unity Government is good for our state, why shouldn’t we support it?” he said.

Urging delegates to remain united and steadfast, Hajiji emphasised that Sabah’s destiny must not be dictated by outsiders.

“This is our land, and we are the ones who must determine its direction. Not those from across the sea who presume to dictate to us,” he said and reiterated his commitment to implementing programmes for the benefit of the people, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development blueprint, which is set to roll out in 2026.

“Sabah is our homeland. Insya-Allah, SMJ 2.0 will be implemented starting next year. We will further strengthen programmes for the people,” he said.

Among the key initiatives mentioned was the continuation of the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme, which provides RM300 monthly to eligible recipients for a year.

Hajiji also announced additional assistance for women, youth, and Beliawanis wings particularly those aiming to start small businesses.

“We will help those in need. We will improve the aid schemes previously mentioned by Vice President Datuk Arifin and our other colleagues. Never in the history of Sabah’s administration have we seen such impactful policies except under the GRS government,” he pointed out.

He stressed that while Sabah is focused on large-scale economic development, the state must not forget those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder.

According to Hajiji, tens of thousands of job opportunities have been created since GRS came into power, reducing the need for Sabahans to seek employment in other states or abroad.

“Sometimes when we stay in hotels in Kuala Lumpur, we encounter Sabahan youths working there. They have degrees and diplomas. But because they had to migrate, it shows we had not created enough jobs for them. That is why GRS has intensified efforts in investor-friendly policies, industrial development, agriculture, and tourism, to generate local job opportunities.

“This is our struggle. Believe me, if we win the election, we will govern the state of Sabah in the best way possible,” he stressed.

Before concluding, Hajiji expressed his appreciation to party leaders and delegates for their commitment and support, and extended special thanks to the Permanent Chairman and Deputy Chairman for their smooth handling of the convention.

“Let us stay united. Let this fighting spirit carry us through the next general election. Insya-Allah, we will win in style,” said the Gagasan Rakyat President.

Meanwhile Hajiji confirmed that he will be accompanying Anwar on a working visit to Indonesia starting tomorrow.

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