SABAH caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has dismissed opposition criticisms claiming that his Sulaman constituency has been overlooked, emphasising that he has delivered a wide range of development projects over his eight terms as the area’s representative.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman and Sulaman candidate for the forthcoming Sabah general election on November 29 told voters during a dialogue session in the Indai polling district that residents are well aware of his track record.
“Actually, Sulaman is very dear to me. I saw the magazine ‘Sulaman Yang Ku Sayang’ and I truly love Sulaman. Over the years, we are not arrogant, but the support from the people of Sulaman has been overwhelming,” Hajiji said on Friday.
Highlighting his achievements, Hajiji said he had prioritised tangible development for Sulaman throughout his tenure. “That is why, during my tenure as their representative, I focused on what we could do for Sulaman. I have brought various changes here, though only the opposition fails to see what has been done,” he said.
He pointed to major housing projects in Tuaran town and nearby villages, noting that basic road infrastructure is “almost 100 per cent complete.” Special attention was given to communities living in traditional stilt houses over water in Pantai Dalit and Mengkabong, which have been replaced with land-based homes.
“Now, the residents are comfortably living on solid ground. We did this because we want to help fishermen who live in houses on stilts over water, to give them housing.
“The poor face hardships. Now, we also have Rumah SMJ, and although many have yet to receive it, it is a good effort,” Hajiji added.
He also highlighted initiatives for youth and small businesses.
“For the youth, we built the Tuaran Sports Complex and provide annual support to youth associations, including funding.
“So, whoever says we do not care for young people in Sulaman is mistaken. We provide various assistance, including support for small businesses.
“Currently, the sports complex is under construction, costing RM15 million. We have allocated 100 acres for the complex so many activities can take place there, and there are even proposals to build a car drag track,” he said.
Hajiji underscored ongoing road projects, including the expansion of the Berungis roundabout to Batangan route into a four-lane dual carriageway and the Pan Borneo Highway stretch from Serusup, Tuaran to Bintulu, Kota Belud, which is expected to be completed in two years.
“When it is completed, residents in Penimbawan and Kampung Baru-Baru will no longer have to take the detour via Ambong, Kota Belud. Just wait two years, and there will be the Pan Borneo road from Serusup to Bintulu. This is our struggle,” he said.
Confident of strong voter support, Hajiji predicted that the majority of the 1,918 registered voters in the Indai polling district would back him on polling day. He also pledged to continue providing the best service to the people of Sulaman and Tuaran.
During his campaign, Hajiji visited several party offices within the polling district to meet voters and party officials, reinforcing his message of sustained development and community support. - November 22, 2025
