GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has sounded its battle cry for the coming election, as Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor rallied supporters to “fight on all fronts, “from the ground, online and everywhere” in defence of Sabah’s future from leaders who he described as “already failed the people.”
“Do not let Sabah fall back into the hands of those who have failed before. We have worked hard to bring progress and stability.
“The opposition had their chance, and they wasted it. Now they only talk, accuse and divide,” he told a crowd of around 20,000 supporters in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.
He was addressing the launch of the GRS election machinery also attended by the presidents of component parties namely, Tan Sri Anifah Aman (PCS), Datuk Chin Su Phin (LDP), Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (PBS), Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia (USNO) and Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah (Harapan Rakyat).
Hajiji did not name the person but clearly his words were aimed at Warisan and its president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, whose government, he toppled in 2020 when he was Sabah Bersatu chief.
Hajiji told the crowd that the opposition’s weapon was misinformation and distortion, but GRS’s response must be unity, clarity and truth.
“They keep trying to confuse the people with lies and empty rhetoric. We must fight this with truth. Our machinery should work tirelessly, on the ground, online and everywhere, to explain the real issues to the people.”
“We are not forced to unite; we choose to unite. We come from different backgrounds, different parties, and different beliefs, but we share one mission — to protect Sabah and ensure it continues to prosper.”
Speaking to reporters after the launch, Hajiji also did not dismiss possibilities of rival parties were attempting to lure GRS members ahead of the election.
“Maybe there are offers, we don’t know,” he said with a smile. “If there are, I’ll make it known. Let them talk; people know the truth.”
The launch came as Sabah moves steadily toward the polls, following the dissolution of the State Assembly on October 6.
Nomination Day has been set for November 15, with early voting on November 25 and polling day on November 29, marking what is expected to be one of the most closely watched state elections in years. - October 19, 2025
