CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said it is crucial for the people to be united so that Sabah can become strong without having to rely on other political giants.
“If we are united and strong, we can chart our own political destiny.
“It is for this very reason, I took the challenge to gather Sabahan leaders under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),” he said at the opening of the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) headquarters at Wisma Usno in Donggongon Avenue in Penampang on June 25.
He said the main objective to form GRS was for all local parties in Sabah to unite under one roof.
He said it was not an easy task to bring leaders into GRS such as Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia (Usno), Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee (SAPP), Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Star), Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS) and now two others Datuk Chin Su Phin (LDP) and Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah (Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah).
“There were many obstacles and challenges but my intention in gathering all these leaders is sincere. I want Sabah to move forward and to be respected,” said Hajiji, who is Chairman of GRS.
He reminded politics is dynamic and can change according to time and circumstances which has seen Sabah changing government several times beginning from Usno, Berjaya, PBS, BN, Warisan, Bersatu and now GRS.
Hajiji turned emotional when reminiscing his involvement in politics that began in Usno in 1990 when he was handpicked by then Usno President the late Tun Mustapha Datu Harun to stand in Sulaman.
“I was in the civil service and I would have never thought of becoming a politician with Usno being in the opposition then. I knew it was not easy to be an opposition assemblyman but after pondering for a couple of weeks I accepted and won,” he said.
He attributed his win to Usno’s struggle, which is close to the heart of the people.
“It was where my political struggle started. That is why I did not hesitate when invited by Tan Sri Pandikar to officiate at the opening of Wisma Usno tonight. I came because I remember and respect all that Usno has done for me,” he said.
Hajiji advised Usno members and supporters to continue standing behind Pandikar in the effort to rebuild the party to become strong in GRS.
Later, Hajiji accompanied by Pandikar signed the commemoration plaque before visiting the Wisma Usno building.
Present were Usno Supreme Council members, Umno Usukan Assemblyman Datuk Salleh Tun Said, GRS Kota Kinabalu Chief Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain Diego and GRS leaders.
