As the countdown to the 17th Sabah State Election intensifies, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor has rallied the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition to channel unity, hard work, and digital savvy into a winning campaign.
Speaking at the launch of the coalition’s election machinery on Sunday, Hajiji, who also serves as GRS chairman, emphasised that victory hinges on relentless effort from every level, ensuring Sabah stays under a steady, effective government.
The event served as a vital rallying point to sharpen strategies and boost spirits across the coalition’s ranks. “We must not grow complacent with our past successes,” Hajiji cautioned party workers. “Treat every household, village, and housing area as part of our outreach mission. Engage voters directly, with sincerity and discipline—success flows from teamwork and commitment.”
Even with two parties recently departing the alliance, Hajiji portrayed GRS as a resilient embodiment of Sabah’s spirit of local cooperation, rooted in genuine friendship and a shared vision for the state’s progress. He urged members to harness social media not just to spread accurate information but to dismantle false narratives, underscoring that controlling the online landscape will be key to building and sustaining public trust.
A Record of Progress Under GRS Leadership
Hajiji highlighted the coalition’s tangible achievements over the past five years, crediting the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap for driving record state revenues and robust growth in industry, tourism, and agriculture. The GRS government, he noted, has stayed focused on core infrastructure needs like water supply, roads, and electricity.
Among the highlights are 18 ongoing water projects set for completion next year, including the Tawau Dam, the Kogopon 2 Water Treatment Plant in Papar, and upgrades to the Kabang intake. On the energy front, initiatives such as the Ulu Padas Hydropower Project in Tenom and the RM765 million Southern Link project promise to bolster power reliability along Sabah’s east coast.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the fruitful partnership with Petronas via the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA), which has empowered local involvement in the oil and gas sector and generated meaningful economic benefits for Sabahans. Dismissing opposition criticisms as empty political noise, Hajiji framed the upcoming polls as more than a bid for re-election—it’s a battle to protect Sabah’s hard-won stability and pave the way for continued advancement.
