No ordinary election
Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Hajiji said the PRN17 would serve as a decisive moment for Sabah's political future, emphasising that the development plans introduced by the current administration (GRS-PH Plus) is already yielding tangible economic benefits. Kota Kinabalu: The imminent PRN17 is no ordinary State election but one that will determine the next course for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and the future of Sabah and its people. GRS Chairman who is also the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor (pic) said the people must not gamble with their future by treating it as another election. 'It is also not like playing 'katam-katam' (dice games) or betting on four-digit lottery numbers! 'This (PRN17) is reality — a serious responsibility that will determine the future of our people, our state and the next generations,' he said. Hajiji who is also Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) President said this in his policy speech at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Gagasan Rakyat, Sunday. It was attended by almost 10,000 delegates of Gagasan Rakyat. Among those present were former Chief Minister cum Parti Bersatu Rakyat (PBS) Premier Advisor Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, StarSabah Deputy President Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President cum former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) Deputy President Datuk Yong Chi Fui, PKR Sabah Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, DAP Sabah Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Upko Deputy President Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin and Sabah Amanah Chairman Datuk Lahirul Latigu. Hajiji said the PRN17 would serve as a decisive moment for Sabah's political future, emphasising that the development plans introduced by the current administration (GRS-PH Plus) is already yielding tangible economic benefits. 'This is our best opportunity to obtain the people's mandate and form a strong, stable state government. GRS has introduced development plans which are not empty slogans but have already shown tangible results, with positive economic growth in the State. 'To carry on with these development plans, we need a strong mandate from the people. Hence, the PRN17 is a golden opportunity that must not be missed,' he said. According to Hajiji, a victory for GRS in PRN17 would give them a stronger voice in efforts to develop Sabah. 'It will put us in a firmer position to assert and defend Sabah's rights. If we fail to form the State Government, we will have squandered a golden opportunity to place local political power at the forefront of Sabah's political landscape. 'If that happens, it is entirely possible that the well-functioning policies and development plans currently working well might be overturned or scrapped — just as these had happened before. And the ones who will suffer are the people, and the ones who will lose out are also the people of Sabah,' he said. 'When we formed the government nearly five years ago, we began our journey with clear determination and vision — like an architect building a palace with strong pillars and foundations. 'In that same spirit, we built our administration from the ground up based on the aspirations and values of grassroots communities, driven by the strength of local parties. We did not promise the moon and the stars — but we promised to do our very best for the people. Hajiji said he is optimistic that the people especially voters are wise in choosing who deserves to lead the state. 'I am positive and confident that based on our track record, the people (of Sabah) will again choose GRS to lead Sabah for the next five years. 'God willing, when we win, all our development plans can continue and be realized, ensuring continuity in administration and ongoing success,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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