Hajiji, BN, PH are 'history' in Sabah election - Azmin

SHAH ALAM – Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali has declared that the political strategies of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming state election are 'history'and will not affect Bersatu's own preparations or strategy.

Azmin confirmed that the party's preparations, led by Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, are underway, including identifying seats to be contested and potential candidates.

“We will participate actively in the coming state election. Of course, we have given the mandate to Ronald.

“Last night, we had our critical bureau meeting where Ronald reported to the president that we are ready for the polls," he told Sinar Daily at the Karangkraf Group Headquarters.

He cited the 'overwhelming and positive' support from Sabahans during Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's recent visit to areas like Beaufort, Batu Sapi, Tawau and Semporna as a sign of the party's readiness.

However, when asked about Hajiji's plan for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to contest the state election under its own banner for the first time and its expected electoral pact with PH, Azmin simply stated, 'they are history.'

This comes as Hajiji, Sabah's longest-serving elected assemblyman, defended the GRS administration against Opposition claims that it is a failed government.

During the state assembly sitting, Hajiji, who has announced this will be his final term, described that when he took office, Sabah was facing a grim situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a volatile political landscape.

Despite those difficult times, he said his administration remained resolute and pushed forward with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.

Hajiji added that the plan, designed to revive the state's economy, has since yielded positive results, as reflected in Sabah's economic performance.