KOTA KINABALU: Differing political views do not deter the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan Plus government from remaining fair to all parties in the state, including the opposition, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The Chief Minister said that despite various criticisms and slander thrown at him and the government, fairness remains his guiding principle.

Hajiji said based on this principle, he strives to treat everyone equally, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

He also said he had even approved scholarships for children of opposition leaders, underscoring his concern for the future of Sabah’s youth.

“We don’t hold grudges or exert pressure, even though we’re the government,” Hajiji said during the 2024 annual division meeting of Parti Gagasan Rakyat at Sulaman Hall in Tuaran yesterday.

As Gagasan Rakyat’s president, Hajiji called on grassroots leaders, including branch heads, village chiefs and the Village Development and Security Committee chairmen to follow the same principle of fairness.

“This principle has guided me for 35 years as Sulaman’s assemblyman.

“There are those who may dislike me and that’s fine. I don’t bear grudges,” he said.

Hajiji also accused the opposition of intentionally overlooking their own past mistakes, especially regarding issues like water supply and road conditions, which were inherited from their time in government.

He explained that decisions made by the previous administration such as changing concession companies forced the government to pay hefty compensation fees after contracts were terminated.

“They were given the chance to govern but what did they accomplish in two and a half years? They simply sought revenge, cutting contracts approved by the Barisan Nasional government.

“Today’s water and road issues started when they took over.

“They cancelled existing agreements for managing water plants and village roads, which led to chaos.

“For instance, the issue of saline water in Sandakan is a result of contractors they appointed.

“But on social media, they claim GRS has failed. Who is truly at fault? It’s them.

“That’s why when they dissolved the state legislative assembly, they lost,” Hajiji said, taking a dig at the previous Parti Warisan government.

The GRS chairman accused the opposition of blaming the current government while ignoring their own failings.

He also dismissed their hopes of regaining power in the upcoming state polls, expressing confidence that the people of Sabah are wise enough to elect a party or coalition that will genuinely drive the state’s progress.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/09/hajiji-divergent-politics-wont-stop-us-from-being-fair