Are the upcoming Sabah elections done and dusted already? That’s a loaded question but recent political developments suggest that Hajiji’s GRS is on a relentless roll, even as the Opposition remains in disarray.
The looming 17th Sabah general election are imminent and the exchanges and deliberations surrounding potential aspirants for the chief ministerial position have already commenced. Amidst the turbulence of the political sphere, one distinguished name that emerges as a potential to spearhead the government alliance is Hajiji Noor the incumbent Chief Minister of Sabah.
Hajiji Noor has enjoyed a prolonged stint in the political limelight and his notoriety and adeptness in leadership have been extensively acknowledged. Hajiji’s distinct leadership methodology deviates greatly from that of now opposition former chief minister Shafie Apdal or the Sabah Umno Chief Bung Moktar, and it is precisely this disparity that positions him as a robust contender for Sabah chief minister’s post.
In this piece, we will analyse the reasons why Hajiji might be the best bet for leading the Sabah government.
Hajiji never compromises on his Ideology.
Hajiji has always been a staunch believer in his ideology and principles, even while being in an alliance with the Perikatan National. He has never hesitated to take a stand on crucial issues such as the rights of Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 and the 40% revenue entitlement from the Federal Government, even if it meant going against the stance of his alliance partner. Hajiji’s unwavering commitment to his principles has earned him respect from his supporters and critics alike and is a testament to his strong character and conviction.
Moreover, Hajiji’s focus on social justice and welfare measures is also noteworthy. He has been a vocal supporter of the hardcore poor and has implemented several policies to uplift them. He believes in affirmative action and reservations and is committed to closing the poverty gap that has long affected many Bumiputera in Sabah. He is determined to bring about changes in the lives of people who crave advocacy, especially those in remote areas. He is seen focused on economic growth and development. Hajiji’s focus on social justice and welfare measures is in line with the ideology of several political parties, and this could help him in rallying their support.
Not just once but twice, Hajiji has demonstrated that Warisan is not invincible in the realm of Sabah politics post 2018. In the year 2020, he formed a coalition with other parties to defeat the Warisan in the state elections. This was especially when Shafie Apdal’s popularity was at its peak.
Hajiji’s reputation as an honest and incorruptible politician is a breath of fresh air. He has kept Sabah on a pedestal of governance and maintained a balance between Sabah’s unique racial moderation and Umno’s ketuanan and Pas’s Islamisation during Muhyiddin and Ismail Sabri’s era when the Perikatan National (PN) was calling the shots in the center. This could help him in gaining the trust of the electorate, especially those who are increasingly disillusioned with the existing political system.
The Opposition parties need a formidable leader who can furnish a plausible alternative to GRS the ruling party. No opposition leader fits the bill. Hajiji’s adroitness in crafting coalitions and collaborating with sundry parties is an invaluable asset. His proficiency in working with an array of parties in Sabah, coupled with his amicable relations with various leaders of Opposition parties, renders him the quintessential candidate to spearhead the GRS alliance.
Furthermore, his antecedent tenure as a Political Secretary to the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Late Gafar Baba in the 90s has bestowed upon him exposure to national politics and a perspicacity into the mechanics of the Federal government.
Undoubtedly, this endeavour shall not be a facile undertaking, for Hajiji is besieged by multifarious perils. Foremost among these threats is the concerted attack by Warisan and Umno. Umno is currently grappling with numerous upheavals. There are 3 groups now within Sabah Umno, one of the group headed by Rahman Dahlan is not in favour of teaming up with Warisan. Rahman Dahlan’s group has checkmated Bung Moktar who is most eager to team up with Warisan in the next Sabah election to take on the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah state government. And also several pivotal Sabah Umno leaders have defected to Hajiji’s group. It would be an intriguing spectacle to witness how Bung Moktar and the Sabah Umno navigate this political storm.
Again in the year 2022, Hajiji repeated this feat by triumphing over the Warisan-Umno strategy of attempting a Sheraton-style coup to topple the GRS government. Instead, Hajiji forged an alliance with his former opponent the Pakatan Harapan (PH). Umno was kicked out from the ruling side. This is a testament to Hajiji’s political acumen and his ability to navigate the complex landscape of Sabah politics.
Why Hajiji?
Hajiji’s leadership style is vastly different from Shafie’s. Shafie is seen as a assertive leader who is not afraid to take bold decisions but reckless. However, Hajiji’s leadership style is more subdued and methodical. He is seen as a consensus-builder who takes all stakeholders into consideration before taking a decision. This style of leadership is more inclusive and has helped Hajiji in maintaining a stable government in Sabah since 2020