GAGASAN Rakyat president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor recounted a private encounter with a particular national leader who scoffed at the ‘Borneo Bloc’ idea and saw himself as “the master”.
In a rare behind-the-scenes political story as head of the ruling political group in Sabah, Hajiji described how the exchange shaped his political pivot several years ago to support the Unity Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“One time, when I met a senior leader over there, he said he was the master,” Hajiji said during his winding-up speech at the Gagasan Rakyat annual general meeting that ended on Sunday.
“He didn’t like the idea of a Borneo bloc. He didn’t want us to share experiences or stories with our neighbours in Sarawak,” he added.
Hajiji’s comments were delivered without fanfare, but were pointed enough to signal a break from past loyalties.
Hajiji had previously worked closely with these federal coalition leaders, and that encounter, he said, left a bitter impression.
“I thought long and hard about what he meant by that. Eventually, my heart turned cold,” he said.
“And after much reflection, I made the decision to bring GRS into supporting the Unity Government,” Hajiji told delegates, earning applause from the audience.
“Alhamdulillah, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Unity Government has heard our voices and treated us with respect,” he said.
“This is our state. Master is here. We are the ones shaping Sabah’s future—not those who come from elsewhere thinking they know better,” he added.
Though the party remains part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition and supports the federal Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hajiji’s statement underscores the need for local political leadership to take charge in shaping the state’s political direction.
He also noted that his decision to back the Unity Government had not been in vain.
“Many of our initiatives and demands under MA63 have now been approved by the Prime Minister.”
“Before this, it was very difficult for them to devolve powers or approve our requests. So what more could we hope for? If this Unity Government is good for our state, why shouldn’t we support it?”
He ended his remarks with a call for unity.
“I hope all members of Gagasan Rakyat and GRS will remain united in heart,” he said.
Hajiji may not reveal the name of the leader but the GRS chairman was once a member of Bersatu which was a party led by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
His remark may have been directed at the former Prime Minister during their time in the Perikatan Nasional.
Earlier, Hajiji also confirmed that GRS would form an electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan. - July 28, 2025
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