Hajiji: Local parties must lead and dominate Sabah politics

New Straits Times

15-06-2025

KOTA BELUD: Local parties must lead and dominate Sabah politics, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the current state government, led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and formed by local parties, must be continued.
"We want to maintain this government, and that is why I believe this election is extremely important.
"We must not choose the wrong path.
"Local parties must dominate Sabah politics and be prioritised.
"Cooperation is a different matter, but as a local party, it is crucial for us to defend GRS in line with the sentiment on the ground, where the people want local parties to lead the government.
"As GRS chairman, I will ensure this," he said during the opening speech of the 2025 Usno (United Sabah National Organisation) General Congress held at the Seri Dungkuan Hall in Kampung Rampayan Laut here.
Hajiji said he would not easily hand over the rights and struggles of GRS to those attempting to undermine the coalition.
He urged all leaders and members of GRS component parties, including Usno, to go to the ground and explain GRS's mission, which is rooted in the philosophies of Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga (We Protect Our Own Home) and Sabah First.
Other component parties include Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Parti Cinta Sabah, Liberal Demokratik Sabah and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
"This is the essence of our struggle in GRS. If we say Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga, people should understand. There's no need to explain it point by point — it's simple.
"We take care of our house, and we don't fight.
"If we fight, others benefit and we lose. So don't fight.