KOTA KINABALU, Nov 10 — Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor has stressed that the decision by two former Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leaders to contest under Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was entirely their decision.
Hajiji, who is GRS chairman said every individual in Sabah’s political system was free to choose the party they wish to represent, and that they had wanted to contest for PKR, under the Pakatan Harapan banner.
“Of course, it is their democratic right to choose the party they wish to represent. They have opted to contest under PKR. Coincidentally, PKR is also a coalition partner in the government,” he said after attending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sabah state government and Maybank to finance Blue Economy projects, at Menara Kinabalu on Monday.
Hajiji was asked to comment on the nominations of Datuk Jamawi Jaafar and Datuk George Hiew, who were previously Gagasan Rakyat division leaders in their respective areas of Melalap and Karamunting, but will now contest under PH instead.
The chief minister, who is also president of Gagasan Rakyat, denied that the GRS had encouraged the move and emphasised that the move posed no issues for GRS as it reflects the unique dynamics of Sabah politics.
“For me, there is no problem — this is the nature of politics in Sabah. Both individuals are now officially PKR candidates and no longer represent Gagasan Rakyat. We have already let them go. What else can be done? It is their right, and we respect it. We cannot block them — this is part of democracy,” he said.
Hajiji also affirmed that Gagasan Rakyat would continue to support them as candidates within the coalition government.
“So, let it be. We will continue to provide support because they are Pakatan Harapan candidates,” he added.
Earlier, Hajiji witnessed the signing of the MoU between the state government and Maybank for the financing of Blue Economy projects, a new initiative to boost Sabah’s maritime-based economic development.
