Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s strong mandate from 2025 election is in recognition of his economic leadership.

As a non-political person, I do not intend to add to the already voluminous political commentaries, for or against, the election victory or the composition of his cabinet. 

All I want to say is that the just concluded election has firmly established and reaffirmed Hajiji’s leadership as CM. The voters have recognised his economic leadership, especially in the manner he has restructured Sabah’s economy. 

He now has a stronger mandate on which he can charge ahead to build on his already impressive performance in the last 5 years. In his 2nd term as CM, he can more effectively accelerate the expansion of Sabah’s economy in the context of SMJ2 so that all Sabahans can enjoy better lives and regain Sabahans’ economic dignity.

What are Hajiji’s achievements in last 5 years?

Here is a brief recap of some of them. The details are public information.

[1] To mark his 100 days in office, Hajiji promised Sabahans that he would be CM for all Sabahans, irrespective of race or religion. This he has lived up to it assiduously, especially for the B40 in the rural areas where Sabah voters have given him unprecedented and resounding solid support. Chinese independent schools, NGOs, and religions have been given highest grants. Most importantly, Hajiji gave the official recognition to UEC and a RM5m scholarship fund for UEC students.

[2] The implementation of his SMJ [Sabah Maju Jaya] vision has uplifted the standard of living for many Sabahans in the B40. He even built houses for these Sabahans. Best part of the story is that Hajiji has eradicated hard core poverty at the end of 2024 which is an incredible achievement considering that poverty has persisted more than 40 years and has been the highest in the country. 

[3] He regained oil and gas rights and signed the CCA [Collaborative Commercial Agreement] with Petronas which previous governments were unable to do for more than 40 years. He and Masidi have done it in 3 months. CCA has created tremendous business and employment opportunities for Sabahans. 

Most importantly, he has imposed a minimum 80pc of the jobs reserved for Sabahans. On top of all these, he succeeded in imposing sale tax on oil and gas. This has increased Sabah’s total revenue from about RM4 billion plus to RM8billion, boosting the state reserves to more than RM8 billion within 3 years. Highest ever!

[4] Hajiji has taken back the authority on power generation from Federal. 

A comprehensive plan to resolve power is being implemented. Shortages will be overcome. 

[5] Hajiji introduced investor friendly policies which have attracted a total of RM58 billion investments in new manufacturing, green industry, and oil and gas, among others. His electoral victory will bring in more investments.

[6] Solutions for water and power are already in hand. Given time for their physical construction, the problems will be over in the near future. There are NO quickie solutions due to physical construction time requirements. Anyone says otherwise is deceiving.

Let Hajiji and his cabinet proof themselves. Opposition should act as checks and balances.

Hajiji has formed his cabinet. Who he has appointed is his prerogative. 

As Sabah’s CM, Hajiji is responsible to Sabahans for the performance of his government and cabinet members. 

Sabah has had too many “rogue” politicians. The political landscape in Sabah has been characterized by instability, frequent defections, and numerous controversies/corruption cases. Time for Sabah to be blessed with some “gentleman-politicians.” 

Let those in government do their work and those in opposition to act as checks and balances. Adhering to these roles are crucial for a healthy democracy.

Democratic practice dictates that the opposition should play a constructive role. It can showcase that it has better idea on what is good for Sabahans. It should not play destructive politics or “oppose for the sake of opposing.” It should act the “alternative government” or like in Britain, the “Loyal Opposition.” A constructive opposition is a sign of political maturity and is an invaluable democratic asset to Sabah.

Hajiji can build on his past economic performance.

Basing on his past achievements, Hajiji Noor's success in the 2025 election grants him a strong mandate to transition immediately from campaigning to aggressively continue his SMJ2 economic transformation. His post-election priorities should be on long-term structural reforms, leveraging his coalition's alignment with the Federal Government.

Cannot kid ourselves. In the present federal structure, no state government, Sabah and Sarawak included, can forge ahead in economic progress without the Federal Government’s collaboration. This is the reality. Many Sabahans want to emulate Sarawak.

Abang Jo has often said Sarawak needs to work with the Federal Government [google has many items on this]. In the 1980s, a Sabah party has tried. The result was disastrous.

Hajiji has upscaled his “inclusive government” with appointment of Roger Chin as nominated YB.

Wisely, Hajiji has included non-politicians as advisers in SEAC, Energy, Sabah Law Reform Council, and financial adviser. His appointment of Roger as a nominated DUN is a major step forward in his “inclusive government” which future governments should emulate. Appointing Roger, a young man, a non-politician, and a successful lawyer as a nominated YB will give a wholly new perspective to the Sabah Legislative Assembly. That speaks well for Hajiji’s leadership style.

Sabahans can expect Roger to speak out constructively like he has done in the legal battle for Sabah’s 40pc share of revenue. 

This young man Roger has embraced a mission to do good for Sabah. I am confident Roger can contribute valuable inputs in the Assembly.

What I hope Hajiji and his government can do in his 2nd term?

Here are some of them.

[1] The obvious one is for him to carry on his economic restructure for Sabah, making adjustments and improvements where and when necessary. Hajiji has already laid much of the foundation for economic transformation. Given the past massive legacy economic problems, a lot more has still to be done. Lifting Sabah back to economic health will be a long journey, an arduous task. No leader can do it overnight or as quickly as everyone wants.

[2] Press home for full recognition that Sabah is 1/3 and not 1/13 of Malaysia. This is still a tough job to tackle. No walk in the park. All Sabahans must rally to support him.

[3] Of great significance is to expedite the implementation of Hajiji’s “Blue Economy” as this will be Sabah’s next great leap forward. The Blue Economy will be a major source of economic wealth for Sabahans in the future.

[4] Complete negotiation for 40pc, TSA2012 and other pressing issues like equitable representations in major federal policies, Federal GLCs and GLICs.

[5] For Sabah to push ahead effectively, a revamp of the civil service is a must whereby meritocracy and honesty must be recognized and implemented with utmost urgency. I have always maintained that there are many able and efficient officers who can serve the state very well but have not been accorded the opportunities to do so.

[6] Expedite introduction of E Government throughout Sabah to cut red tape, wipe out small and oversize NAPOLEONS, and reduce corruption.

[7] Hajiji has revamped a few GLCs and restored their operations back on track. This revamp should continue for all GLCs and Agencies that have been underperforming. To ensure good governance, appoint suitable chairman and directors.

[8] Contain, if possible, reduce inflation in food and housing. Focus on food security.

Sabahans who desire Hajiji’s continuity of economic progress, must ensure political stability for Hajiji to bring further economic progress.

May be expecting too much for politicians to work together to foster political stability. Their behaviour after the election is not encouraging. Only statesmen, whether they are in government or opposition, can see the value of political stability. Unfortunately, Sabah has only very few statesmen.

Don’t be taken in by political sweet talks, don’t be impressed with passionate speeches. Examine the facts and what is at stake for yourselves and your future generations.

To right 2 generations of stagnant economy, ordinary Sabahans must pressure politicians on both sides of the political isles that they must play the respective roles in government and in opposition with honour so that they can bring economic progress to all Sabahans.

Political instability will be very costly for this and future generations.

Hajiji has laid the economic foundation for Sabah in his first term as CM. It has gained and traction and momentum. Any political instability will cause these to lose steam. The investors that Hajiji has worked so hard to attract may lose confidence. 

For Sabah to advance with greater momentum in the next term of Hajiji’s chief ministership, political leaders including those in opposition and all Sabahans must ensure there is political stability. 

Please remember:

Political instability will [1] cause loss of confidence by investors, [2] policies inconsistencies which will produce grave uncertainties, [3] heighten incidence and intensify corruptions. [4] attract unsavoury non-Sabahan characters to take over Sabah economy and resources. [5] dampen Sabah’s chances to tackle the Federal Government on 40pc and other issues. [6] If left unchecked, morph into an existential threat for Sabah.

Sabah must have Political stability to achieve economic progress.

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: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my