Kota Kinabalu: The various development projects announced are part of initiatives by the GRS-led State Government to fulfil its responsibilities to the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“It is not vote-buying. These are government initiatives. Opposition leaders only know how to raise issues without offering constructive solutions.
“If the Government announces projects, they complain. If we don’t, they still complain. So what is it they actually want?” he said, after launching the State Government’s latest initiative – Contribution for Students of Higher Education Institutions in Sabah (Sentosa) – at Gaya Teacher Education Institute, Thursday.
The opposition had criticised the Chief Minister’s project announcements as attempts to fish for votes.
However, Hajiji stressed that the Government is responsible for implementing development and improve wellbeing of the people, including addressing critical issues such as water and electricity supply, which have been widely raised.
“The Government must find solutions to all problems faced by the people. If a solution can be announced, we will announce it. We are not making empty statements.
The ones who only talk without real action are them (opposition),” he said.
On distribution of seats for the Sabah election, Hajiji who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman, said discussions would be held among GRS components and the ruling coalition partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus.
“We will first discuss with GRS component parties, then with our coalition partners,” he said.
He said GRS incumbents would defend their seats but would prioritise candidates with the highest chances of winning.
“If there is a strong candidate, we will give them the opportunity. If not, they will have to wait for another chance.”
On some parties eyeing certain seats currently held by GRS, he said: “In politics, we must respect the position of each party. We should not be overly eager to take seats that belong to others. We must work together and respect each other.”
He said as leaders, wisdom and maturity in political management are crucial to ensuring stability and progress for the State.
“Our intention is to develop the State. Therefore, every decision must be made wisely and in the best interest of the people of Sabah,” he said.
