KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah should recognise that the Chief Minister and President of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, is the key figure responsible for enhancing the influence of Perikatan Nasional (PN) in Sabah.
Sabah UMNO Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir pointed out the irony in Hajiji’s recent criticism of Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and PN, particularly regarding the use of the term ‘palui.’.
During his speech at the Jelajah Sayangi Sabah event in Keningau, Hajiji advised Hamzah not to come to Sabah, claiming that Hamzah is ‘palui’ for bringing external culture into the state.
Suhaimi posed a critical question to Hajiji: who was it that opened the doors and invited Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) and Perikatan Nasional into Sabah?
He emphasised that this situation illustrates Hajiji and GRS as opportunistic, only taking such a stance when Hamzah and PN no longer serve their political interests.
Furthermore, Suhaimi noted that the term ‘palui’ used by Hamzah was specifically aimed at Hajiji, as he has yet to address the ongoing infrastructure issues, which have only worsened.
“This situation does not involve other leaders or the people of Sabah,” he said.
Suhaimi argued that Hajiji’s actions are merely a cheap political tactic to deflect attention from his own shortcomings and the real issues facing the people.
In conclusion, he stated that Hajiji’s remarks are more about political rhetoric, especially as he attempts to distance himself from the very Perikatan Nasional he once embraced.
Consequently, UMNO Sabah has decided to withdraw its support for the GRS government, unwilling to be associated with Hajiji’s ‘palui’ approach.
“A chief minister who exploits opportunities irresponsibly and constructs a narrative that Sabah under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is independent and better off without outside influence is not serving the people’s interests.
“However, the people of Sabah have every right to question this narrative,” he added.
