By WU VUIDE
KUNAK: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor respects the views of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure political stability in Sabah.
The Prime Minister aspired to see Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) join forces with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to face the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
He said GRS has no issue working together but the matter must first be decided by the coalition’s Supreme Council.
“I met with the Prime Minister and we respect his views and advice on how to create political stability in Sabah, because if we have stability, we can progress and implement various development efforts for the people.
“In terms of cooperation, we have no issue, because the current State Government is GRS–PH Plus.
“But I also told the Prime Minister that in Sabah, we must consider local aspirations to build political understanding in order to move forward,” he said after attending the Chief Minister’s Event: Building Kunak’s Future at Padang Pekan Kunak here yesterday.
Earlier, in his speech, Hajiji reiterated his stance that GRS should lead the State Government’s challenge in facing PRN17.
He said he could feel the people’s desire for the State Government to be led by a local party, particularly through GRS, the only political coalition in Sabah based on local parties.
He said the achievements of the GRS-led State Government thus far are evident, especially in terms of economic development, which should be further strengthened through a new mandate from the people in PRN17.
“We’ve implemented many initiatives not only for the state’s development but also to enhance our overall economy.
“I’m proud that we have a strong team in the government and the people’s solid support. We must learn from Sabah’s political history, if we keep fighting, we’ll become divided.
“We must stay focused and ensure continued support for the current government, whose accomplishments are already visible,” he said.
Hajiji said the achievements of his administration have never been accomplished by previous governments, such as the commercial collaboration agreement (CCA) with Petronas, which brings many benefits to Sabah.
He said Sabah has gained a lot from the agreement, including a 20 per cent stake in the Samarang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) project in Sipitang.
“We’ve gained a lot, and some matters are still under negotiation with Petronas, which never happened before. If we negotiate properly, Petronas is willing to let us develop the oil and gas sector in Sabah,” he said.
He said that the accomplishments of his administration remain a top priority, even though he has been the target of slander, including being labelled as a weak leader.
“Those people don’t really know me. I don’t fear easily, we will fight because I know the people are behind GRS,” he said.
Hajiji also announced the handover of Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) land to be reserved as village sites for Kampung Kunak Jaya, Bagian, and Selamat.
He also announced a State Government allocation of RM1.2 million to build a jetty facility in Kampung Pangkalan, as requested by Kunak Assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif.
Hajiji urged the people of Kunak to continue supporting Norazlinah and to ensure GRS’s victory in PRN17 for the continuity of development in the district.
