KUALA LUMPUR – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has stressed the importance of a strong relationship with the federal government as the state heads into fresh elections, warning that disputes with Putrajaya would only harm progress.
Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, said collaboration between the state and federal administrations had already delivered tangible results, including nine devolutions of power under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Currently, the state government comprises GRS and PH. The relationship with the federal government is very strong. We must realise that the state-federal relationship is extremely vital for the future and progress of Sabah.
“Why should we have a dispute with the federal government?” he told reporters after meeting state leaders and backbenchers at Menara Kinabalu today, as quoted by Bernama.
Earlier, Hajiji confirmed that the Sabah State Legislative Assembly had been dissolved with the consent of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman, paving the way for the 17th state election within 60 days. The assembly holds 73 seats.
Hajiji said the dissolution reflected Sabah’s commitment to democratic and constitutional processes, and called for a renewed mandate to continue his administration’s development agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan.
“With this dissolution, we seek a new mandate from the people to continue the efforts we have begun — building a stronger, more prosperous, and united Sabah for all,” he said.
“My hope is that the election outcome will strengthen the people’s voice, safeguard stability and security, and ensure continuous progress for our beloved Sabah.”
He highlighted progress in agriculture, industry, tourism, human capital development, social wellbeing, infrastructure, and green sustainability, but warned that unfinished challenges required “bold solutions” from the next government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speaking separately in Kuala Lumpur, expressed hope that the campaign would proceed smoothly.
“Be careful in your discussions, campaign well, and offer the best choices for the people,” he said after addressing the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2025.
The last Sabah state election in 2020 saw GRS, then aligned with Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional, and Parti Bersatu Sabah, form the government by securing 41 seats. Warisan won 23, while Pakatan Harapan took nine.
Hajiji will continue to serve as caretaker chief minister until a new state government is formed. — October 6, 2025