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Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Let's be proud Malaysians and proud Sabahans, too
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: IT is natural. It is proper. When in a foreign country, all Malaysians must very proudly profess ourselves as Malaysian. Within Malaysia, we can call ourselves Penangites, Selangorians, Johoreans, Kehadans, Sarawakians and Sabahans with the same degree of pride. Leaders from each respective state are expected to look after the interest of their states and people. Nothing wrong for Hajiji to promote 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga', 'Sabah for Sabahans' or 'Sabahans First'. Hajiji's 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' Makes Very Good Sense. Hajiji has mentioned 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' many times, the latest was at the USNO's annual conference in Kota Belud. Much to my liking, he also said that Sabah party must be the anchor/dominant players in government after the coming election. Be on extreme alert if any leader who discourages Sabahans to be less Sabahans. Or induce us to relinquish our rights to govern Sabah. Or that non-Sabahans can manage Sabah better. Their intention is dubious and blatantly dishonest. It is to dope us. I am not in politic. I see 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' in the prism of simple logic and practical economics. Advertisement If Sabahans Do not Jaga Rumah Kita, Who Can We Trust to Jaga? We better be cautious of anyone trying to convince us not to Jaga Kita Rumah. It is highly irresponsible to farm out Sabah which is our only rumah, to be 'jaga' by non-Sabahans for any reason. If we are unwilling or incapable of 'Jaga rumah kita' we deserve to be poor. Like it has been for the last 40 years. After more than 60 years of independence, Sabahans still cannot unite to juga rumah? Still cannot unite to build Sabah's economy? Do Sabahans have some intelligence handicaps to jaga rumah kita? Autonomy for Branch Manager is a Fairytale. The president of a Sabah party is like the chairman of a company. The head of a Malayan party in Sabah is like a branch manager. Nothing personal. No disrespect is meant. Have never heard that a branch manager can be truly autonomous or independent in the corporate world. Neither in politics. A branch manager is a branch manager. He is not the boss. His boss is in KL. The boss can remove the branch manager. The boss makes all the final important decisions. The branch manager can recommend only. In a crunch, the boss always wins. Either the Branch manager obeys or gets the sack. It is the same system of disciple in politics as in the corporate world. For survival, the branch manager must be subservient, deferential to the boss in KL even at the expense of Sabah. Let us be serious: Do Sabahans want a Chairman of a Sabah party or a Branch Manager of a Malayan party as Our CM? Your answers to the following pointers will tell you how you should choose; Pointers 1: A Chairman of a Sabah party has same status as President of any Malayan party in matters affecting the nation and state. They will meet on equal footing, sit at the same table. Whereas, the Branch Manager of a Malayan party will have no local standi to attend the same meeting. Pointer 2: On critical important issues that affect Sabah's interest, the Chairman of a Sabah party can negotiate, stand firm or demand. Unlikely the Branch Manager can or dare to make a stand in the interest of Sabah. If he dares to go against his boss in KL, he will find himself without a job soon. Pointer 3: What would a Branch Manager of a Malayan party do if he has received an instruction from his boss that will affect Sabah's interest adversely? More than likely, he would say 'yes, boss.' The chairman of a Sabah party can say NO! Pointer 4: Never short of predatory Malayan businessmen who are often backed by some Malayan powerful political war lords coming to Sabah. To them, streets in Sabah are paved with gold. Remember the attempt to black mail and overthrow of Hajiji government? This is not an isolated case. Many 'funny' proposals have been coming in. Hajiji, as CM, has rejected many. Hajiji can say 'The Buck Stops Here!' Can a Branch Manager of a Malayan party afford to say same to his boss and political war lords from KL? Pointer 5. Before Hajiji became CM, the special grant given to Sabah was RM26.7m a year from 1974 to 2018. Hajiji became CM in 2020. He got it up to RM125.6m in 2022. Up again to RM129m in 2023. Up again to RM300m in 2024. Up again to RM600m in 2025 [budget announcement]. A whopping of 2247% increase since Hajiji took office in late 2020. Do you think a Branch Manager of a Malayan party as Sabah's CM can get these increases? If can, why didn't it happen before? Hajiji must have demanded very strongly as Chairman of GRS to get such huge increases every year. A Branch Manager will not open his mouth to demand for fear of losing his job. Pointer 6. Hajiji has said that he would not comprise on Sabah's constitutional rights of 40% share of revenue. Would a branch manager of a Malayan party make a similar stance? Has any branch manager made a similar stance? Pointer 7. This is the absolute reality for all Sabahans to grasp and appreciate. To Malayan leaders, Sabah is at the fringe of national politics. Sabah leaders can be 'kautim' in the past. Their political 'do or die' battle ground is Malaya. For Sabah to be taken seriously, we must 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga Baik Baik'. We need a strong CM from a Sabah party with a convincing majority mandate from the 2025 election, to do it. A Branch manager cannot do the job. How about Sabah party JV with a Malayan party? In view of current political reality, JV is ok on conditions that [1] CM and Minister of Finance must be from the Sabah party. [2] Majority of Cabinet is from Sabah party. No longer must Sabah be ruled by non-Sabah party. For our own sake and our future generations, Sabah must never become a vassal state of anyone. Sabahans must be the master of Rumah Kita. Sabah/Federal Relationship is very complex. Hajiji has Improved Sabah's Position Considerably. Examples: Hajiji has got back rights in oil/gas, power generation, board representation in Petronas and IRB [Income Revenue Board], huge increase in annual special grant. What sort of CM does Sabah need to continue the present trajectory? In all probability, a branch manager of a Malayan party will be unable to look after Sabah's interest as good as the Chairman of a Sabah party can. He cannot serve 2 masters, i.e. Sabah and his Malayan party. Given the present and future complexities of Sabah/Federal relationship, Sabah will need a 'Sun Tze' type of CM supported by a strong majority mandate in DUN after the 2025 election. My favourite philosophy of 'Sun Tze' is 'Victory without fighting'. Calm, no shouting matches, no finger pointing, no passing the buck, no threats. Just get the job done! When it is done, no blowing of the trumpets. This is political leadership maturity. This is statesmanship. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Local parties must lead Sabah's politics - Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, accompanied by USNO President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, is welcomed by USNO members upon arrival at Dewan Terbuka, Seri Dungkuan, Kampung Rampayan Laut, Kota Belud on Sunday. KOTA BELUD (June 15): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has emphasised that local parties must remain dominant in Sabah's political landscape and be prioritised when forming alliances for the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17). He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government, which was established by local parties, must be preserved, making the upcoming election especially crucial for the coalition. 'We want to continue this government, and that is why I believe this election is extremely important. We must not make the wrong choice. Local parties must be dominant in Sabah's politics and must be prioritised. 'As for political cooperation, that's another matter. But GRS, as a local coalition, is vital for us to defend, in line with grassroots sentiment that wants local parties to lead the government,' said Hajiji who is GRS chairman. 'As chairman of GRS, I will ensure this happens,' he said when officiating United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) general congress at Dewan Terbuka Seri Dungkuan, Kampung Rampayan Laut, near here on Sunday. Hajiji said he would not easily surrender GRS's rights and struggle to those attempting to undermine the coalition. As such, he expressed hope that all leaders and members of GRS component parties, including USNO, would go to the ground and explain to the people the essence of GRS's struggle, which upholds the philosophies of 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' and 'Sabah First.' 'This is the mission of our struggle in GRS. When we say 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga', people should understand there's no need to explain every detail, it's simple. 'We must protect our home and avoid internal conflicts. If we fight, others will benefit, and we will lose. So, don't quarrel. What's important is that we win the election so we can continue this struggle, help the people, and develop our state,' he said. Hajiji emphasised that USNO and other component parties within GRS hold equally important roles within the coalition. 'Therefore, I hope USNO, along with its entire leadership and supporters, will unite and give their full effort to ensure GRS wins in the upcoming election. 'That's why USNO's participation in GRS is extremely important. Not only USNO, but all component parties in GRS play a crucial role in strengthening the coalition, especially with the election just around the corner. 'USNO must channel its energy together with GRS so that we can regain the people's mandate. When we formed GRS, we invited the current component parties to join us in defending Sabah's rights. 'Our intention is sincere and noble, as Sabahans, we must defend our rights as Sabahans. We must be united,' he said. He added that if only one party were to carry the struggle alone, it would not be able to shoulder such a major task. For that reason, GRS needs all its partners to fulfil the same responsibility, regardless of the party's size. 'We want to champion the plight of our people who are still left behind and in need of support. We want to uplift the standard of living for those still struggling. 'We want to boost infrastructure and economic development in Sabah which is why, in my view, GRS, as the current government, must be given the mandate once again to govern Sabah after the election,' he said. In his speech, Hajiji also expressed appreciation for USNO's commitment to GRS, reflected in its slogan 'USNO dan GRS berpisah tiada' as declared by its president, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Local parties must lead Sabah politics, says Hajiji
KOTA BELUD: Local parties must take the 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 maintained. "We want to preserve this government, and that is why I believe the coming election is extremely important. We must not choose the wrong path. Local parties must dominate Sabah politics and be given priority. "Cooperation is a different matter, but as a local party, it is crucial that we 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 his opening speech at the 2025 USNO (United Sabah National Organisation) General Congress held at Seri Dungkuan Hall in Kampung Rampayan Laut, here. Hajiji said he would not easily hand over the rights and struggle of GRS to those seeking 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 under GRS 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. When we say Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga, the meaning is clear. There's no need to explain it point by point, it's simple. "We take care of our house, and we do not quarrel. If we fight, others benefit, and we lose. So don't fight. What matters is that we win the election, so we can continue our struggle, help the people, and develop our state," he said.
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Jeffrey backs Pandikar's claims of USNO marginalisation in GRS
Jeffrey KOTA KINABALU (May 5): United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin's recent remarks on USNO's marginalisation within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the lack of internal consultation and the need to restore Sabah-based leadership are valid and consistent with the original objectives of GRS. 'This is exactly what Sabahans have been saying. They want genuine unity, local leadership and respect for all parties in the coalition as we head into the 17th State Election,' said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in a statement on Monday. Jeffrey who is also the Deputy Chairman of GRS, said he understands Pandikar's frustrations as President of USNO – a full component party in GRS, regardless of its current seat count. Referring to the Jelajah GRS event in Keningau, he confirmed there had been what appeared to be a 'gag order' issued by a junior officer attempting to restrict what party presidents could say. 'It gave the impression of 'hidden hands' at work. I personally had to persuade Tan Sri Pandikar to attend, assuring him I had no part in that order and believed his presence would demonstrate solidarity among party leaders,' he said. Jeffrey stressed that juniors, elected or not, should never be used to publicly criticise senior leaders. 'There are proper channels. The GRS Leadership Council must be the space for discussion, not social media. We need internal discipline and courtesy. 'We must not let factionalism damage the coalition. Every party in GRS has value. Respect must be mutual. Undermining others only weakens our position going into the election,' he said. He pointed out that GRS currently suffers from a trust deficit, worsened by whisper campaigns, poor communication and lack of structure. 'The solution is simple. We need regular leadership council meetings, open communication channels and a coalition culture based on consultation and mutual respect. 'Every component party must have a defined role or area of responsibility, even if they do not hold seats. No party should be decorative,' he said. Jeffrey also warned that GRS must not become like other coalitions dominated by a single party that calls all the shots. 'The GRS chairmanship should rotate among the presidents of component parties not remain under one party's control. That's the only way to build real trust and reflect the spirit of a Sabah-led coalition,' he said. Jeffrey said the coalition must also declare its stand on federal alignment ahead of the state election. 'We cannot leave voters guessing. Will GRS contest all 73 seats independently, or align with a national coalition? We must be honest and consistent. Sabahans are watching,' he said. He also renewed his long-standing call for a unity meeting. 'This meeting must involve not just GRS component, but all Sabah-based parties who believe in local leadership and autonomy. We need to talk. We owe Sabah that much. Unity is Duty. 'GRS was originally formed to unite all local parties. That spirit must be preserved. Sabahans want their leaders to stand together like Sarawak. That means mutual respect and staying true to our slogan 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga' in both policy and conduct,' he emphasised. He urged all leaders to look beyond positions and personalities to restore credibility in GRS. 'If we fail to address these issues now, we risk losing the very mandate the people have given us,' he concluded.
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBS Youth chief calls for solidarity, warns against division before state polls
Christopher Mandut KOTA KINABALU (April 30): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Christopher Mandut has called for unity — not division — within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as the Sabah state election draws near. 'Our priority must be given to strength and unity, not to reopening divisions,' he said in a statement on today. Mandut added that United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia's recent remarks concerning USNO's position within GRS should be viewed in the spirit of openness. He also reminded that GRS was born out of the collective effort of Sabah parties to unite following a period of political uncertainty. 'Under the collective leadership of the component party presidents, led by Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, we have built a new home. This home may not be as grand as the one we once shared, but it has been built upon the spirit and trust shared among Sabahans. This is our home — let us not break it apart,' he urged. Mandut added that GRS has demonstrated that value and respect within a coalition are not measured solely by the number of seats held. 'Several parties without representation in the State Legislative Assembly have still been entrusted with key roles, both in state administration and in representing Sabah on regional platforms. This reflects the sincerity and inclusive leadership style embraced by GRS. 'Therefore, when voices of concern arise in the lead-up to the election season, it is only fair to ask calmly: are these anxieties rooted in principle, or do they stem from shifting political winds?' he said. He reminded that differences of opinion are natural. 'However, they must be handled with wisdom — as befits a statesman. We must not allow minor anxieties today to fracture the trust painstakingly built among GRS members, and more importantly, among the people who now place their hopes in us.' He added that Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) president Tan Sri Anifah Aman, who is also a GRS statesman, once remarked in the Dewan Rakyat: 'What is the point of leaping from a large house to a smaller one, unless the large house has no room for us — and if so, why not?' 'Once, we lived together in that larger house. But today, we have built our own smaller home. It may not be as luxurious, but it is ours — and it is we who must protect it. 'History does not merely record who prevailed in times of ease, but who endured and stood united in times of trial. In times of calm, all may appear as leaders — but in moments of crisis, true stewardship is revealed,' he said. 'As a member of the younger generation within GRS, I sincerely hope that all leaders of this coalition — including respected figures such as Tan Sri Pandikar — will continue to be seen as unifiers of the people of Sabah, not otherwise. 'Let us preserve this unity. This small house may not be perfect, but it is our home. And the future of Sabah depends on how well we care for it — together,' he said. Recently, Pandikar expressed USNO's dissatisfaction, alleging that the party has been sidelined within GRS. 'We hope the top leadership of GRS will consider USNO, even though we are seen as a 'mosquito' party,' he added. He warned that if USNO continued to be marginalised, the party would have no choice but to contest independently.
