By Datuk James Ligunjang JP, Former State Assemblyman
KOTA KINABALU: Believing in the rhetoric of the Warisan party is akin to stepping into a fantasy world. Many supporters fail to realize that voting for Warisan may inadvertently bring UMNO back into power—a party responsible for governance that has historically driven Sabah into poverty for decades. This cycle of political revival risks undoing the progress we’ve achieved and overlooks the root causes of Sabah’s economic struggles, such as systemic underdevelopment, corruption, and mismanagement.
In contrast, the current alliance between GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) and PH (Pakatan Harapan) has demonstrated significant progress over the past five years. Under this partnership, Sabah has experienced remarkable economic development and transformation. The alliance has successfully increased the state’s revenue sources with minimal interference from the federal PH government, allowing for more autonomous and tailored economic policies suited to Sabah’s needs.
The political stability Sabah has enjoyed in recent years under the effective leadership of Chief Minister Hajiji Hj Noor has been fundamental to sustainable economic growth. Stability creates an environment conducive to long-term planning and investment—key elements for continued development and poverty reduction. It’s vital for voters to recognize that genuine progress depends on stable governance, responsible leadership, and a focus on sustainable growth, rather than fleeting promises or misguided narratives.
Prioritizing stability and proven strategies will better serve Sabah’s future and its people. Hajiji Hj Noor’s leadership has been instrumental in Sabah’s economic resurgence, instilling confidence among investors and stakeholders. His continued leadership over the next five years is crucial to ensuring Sabah’s ongoing growth and prosperity. With steadfast guidance, Sabah can once again become a land of opportunity and hope.
In this election, voters are faced with two choices: GRS-PH or Warisan-UMNO. I choose the former and refuse to gamble with Sabah’s future by supporting the latter.
