Hajiji sworn in as CM, extends olive branch to rivals

SABAH POLLS | Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairperson Hajiji Noor has been sworn in as the state’s new chief minister.

Hajiji, who defended his Sulaman seat for the ninth term with an 8,919 majority, took his oath before Sabah Governor Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu shortly after 3am.

GRS concluded the 17th state election with 29 seats in the 73-seat assembly.

Supporting coalitions and parties propping up Hajiji remains unclear, but it is believed that GRS has secured the support of five independent assemblypersons, which would give him, together with Pakatan Harapan (one) and Upko (three), 38 seats - one more than a simple majority.

In a statement later, Hajiji said, “With profound gratitude, I accept the trust you have placed in me and my colleagues in GRS to once again lead and serve as your elected representatives.

"The people’s unwavering support and courageous belief in our cause have been the driving force behind this victory.

"Let us celebrate this victory as the beginning of a new chapter, filled with renewed purpose and the collective determination to build a better tomorrow for Sabah and its people,” he said.

SMJ agenda

Hajiji said that from the outset, GRS' commitment has been to foster change and progress through the "Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya" (SMJ) development agenda.

"We set out to inspire meaningful development and build bridges that unite, rather than divide.

“We are resolute in our pursuit of continuity with SMJ 2.0, focusing on four key pillars: Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper, and Sabah United,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji also extended an olive branch to other parties to work together with his government.

"To all our opponents who have vied with us throughout this election, let us close ranks and embrace the spirit of democracy by coming together in solidarity.

“Let us build trust and commit to working collaboratively to serve the people effectively and for the greater good of Sabah," he added.

Official: GRS 29, Warisan 25, PKR 1

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