KOTA KINABALU: With Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor declaring that this state election will mark his final participation, a significant question arises regarding the future of PGRS in light of its founder’s absence.
Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak pointed out that Sabah’s political history indicates that many local parties thrived under their founding leaders, but encountered difficulties once those leaders stepped down.
“Although I am not in the same political platform as Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, I feel compelled to comment because this issue touches on the future of local parties in Sabah.
“The pressing question is: who within PGRS will step up as the successor, and in what manner will the new leadership guide the party?” he remarked in his recent Facebook update.
Salleh emphasised that the reality is that a party can only sustain itself if it possesses solid structures and credible leadership for succession, rather than relying solely on one person.
He noted that BN has experienced multiple leadership changes since independence, yet it has persisted due to its foundation in organization and an extensive network.
“This presents a genuine challenge for local parties in Sabah,” he concluded.
What is the future of local parties in Sabah after Hajiji?
KOTA KINABALU: After Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that this state election will be his last involvement, it raises a major question about the direction of PGRS after the absence of its founder.
Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said Sabah’s political history shows that many local parties were strong when their founding leaders were at the helm, but began to face problems once those leaders stepped down.
“Although I am not in the same political platform as Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, I feel compelled to comment because this issue touches on the future of local parties in Sabah.
“The question now is: who within PGRS will emerge as the successor, and how will the new leadership steer the party? he said in his latest Facebook post.
Salleh asserted that thefact remains that a party can only endure if it has proper structures and credible successor leadership, not if it depends solely on one individual.
He said BN has gone through several leadership transitions since independence, yet it has endured because its strength is rooted in organization and a wide network.
“This is the real challenge for local parties in Sabah,” he said.
