Why a strong Hajiji govt is important for Sabahans

dailyexpress.com.my · Feb 15, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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IT is for the benefits of all Sabahans that Hajiji has now got 2/3 majority, a strong government so that he could push harder for the continuation of his economic restructure and transformation for Sabah. Not for politics or political reasons. This is purely for economic. Hajiji has inherited a horrendous economy that has been downgraded from top No. 2 to bottom No.2. This slide, believe you me, has been very serious. This downward syndrome has taken 40 years of mismanagement, massive financial leakages and poor economic leadership. Clawing it back to decent growth for Sabah is a super-human job. Sabah’s economic problems are deep, entrenched, serious and in many ways, almost unsolvable. In short, Sabahans have been disenfranchised to the extent that we have become economic refugees in our state despite all the wealth from timber, oil palm, most fertile soil in Malaysia and oil and gas. Hajiji’s initiative to erase the stains of 40 years of economic backwardness in his first term will gain momentum in his 2nd term. The economic reality is simply this: an economically and financially weak Sabah cannot command respects from Federal leaders. Getting back 40% and other MA63 rights was getting no way in the past. Sabah leaders were sidelined for the last 40 years. Reputable investors [both domestic and foreign] shied away. A poor Sabah can only attract unsavoury predators, conmen fortune hunters. There have been too many! Even many Sabahans, no matter how much they love our own state, have lost faith and pride in being Sabahans. Sadly, many Sabahans have voted with their feet by migrating to W Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and increasingly China to seek better lives This is the most serious indictment from our own Sabahans. Hajiji’s government emerged much stronger and well-balanced after 2025 election. Sabahans have given one very strong and definitive message in the 2025 election: Sabahans want Sabah based parties to rule Sabah. NO more PARTY FROM MALAYA. No more condescending lectures. no more being led by the nose like a bullafo. enough is enough. All parties from Malaya have been routed from being all powerful into political oblivion. This dramatic change which many Sabahans believe could not happen in their lifetime, has happened! Sabah voters have finally realised that Sabah leaders from Malayan parties have been mere proxies, ineffectual, having to obey orders from their bosses in KL. For balance, Hajiji has been wise to accommodate two Malayan parties in his cabinet. It is wise to keep this relationship going in view of the present federal structure, 40% and many other unsettled issues between Sabah and Federal. Hajiji, with a strong government, is better positioned to deal with the Federal Government on MA 63 rights, 1/3 partner in Malaysia. For years, the government in Sabah, either as a component of a federal coalition or stand alone, have failed to protect Sabah from political manipulation from Malayan politicians. The 2025 general election is very clear. For the first time, Hajiji, together with other Sabah parties, has won a clear mandate from Sabahans. Sabahans have voted clearly that we want Sabahan leaders to rule. By not voting for all non-Sabahan parties, the message is also very clear. Non-Sabahan parties are not welcome. Before Hajiji, Sabah could not command attention, much less, respect, from Federal Government. Hajiji has changed the dynamic of Sabah/Federal relationship. The badly lopsided relationship has become more even. Not perfect yet. But it is getting there. The Federal Government, under PMX, has begun to change its attitude. Much work remains to reach the ideal equilibrium. Hajiji, with a strong government and definitive strong backing from all Sabahans, will expedite the resolution of the 40% revenue, a fair share of economic development funding and a thousand and one issues. The only guarantee for a more equitable Sabah/Federal relationship is a HAJIJI’s STRONG SABAH GOVERNMENT WITH OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FROM SABAHANS. Hajiji, with a strong government, can expedite Sabah’s economic restructure and transformation. A weak government equates to poorly managed economy, poverty and the people suffer. Sabah was no exception in the last 40 years. Hajiji has been brave politically to start the restructure and transformation of Sabah’s economy in his first term even his government was not as strong as it is now. It must have been tough. Under tremendous constraints, he has made considerable progress in attracting historic amount of investment, elevating Sabah’s economy from commodity to manufacturing. Now that Hajiji’s government is much stronger, he has elevated his efforts to eradicating corruption, cracking down on laggard civil servants and very importantly reining in failed and underperforming GLCs. Sorting out many warlords. Putting them in their places is not an easy task. All these are serious management issues if left unresolved, Sabah will continue to be poor no matter how much investments Hajiji can attract into Sabah. Hajiji, with a strong government, can manage Sabah’s more effectively. Given the decades of poor management, Sabah must manage the state much more effectively. He has started this in his last term. With a stronger government, Hajiji has begun to crack down on corruption, laggard civil servants and wayward GLCs. His seeking inputs from reputable Sabahans from professionals and lawyers [like Tan Sri David Wong and his Sabah Law Reform Council], advisories from SEAC from the private sector and young Sabahans [SYBIL]. He is appointing more non-politicians to the boards of GLCs. These initiatives may seem insignificant now. But they will prove to be game changers for they will guide Sabah to do the correct things. Hajiji, with a strong government, has achieved political stability for Sabah. Above all else, Hajiji has fought hard and prevailed to give Sabah the most important thing that has been missing for the last 40 years, that is POLITICAL STABIITY. Not just simple political stability. It is political stability with Sabahan leaders firmly in charge. Political stability is an integral part of economic progress. It is the “invisible infrastructure”, the most important ingredient, the critical essence for the foundation of the eco-system for economic progress. With a strong government + political stability, Hajiji can push hard for what is good for Sabah in these vital issues: [1] In his dealing/negotiation on Sabah’s MA63 rights, Territorial Sea Act 2012 and many other issues with the Federal Government. [2] Rectify corruption, rein in civil servants and poor governance in GLCs. [3] Attract more investors [Sabah, domestic and foreign]. [4] Generate more meaningful jobs for Sabahans, intensify eradication of poverty. [5] Can more effectively interact with foreign government leaders especially in Singapore, HK and China. [6] There is a marked improvement in performance among his cabinet ministers. No political bickering, much sharper focus on “turun padang” to solve problem for the people. Worthy of special mention are Ewon Benedick like port congestion and Jamawi Jaafar like finding solutions for farmers. Ultimately Hajiji, with a strong government, will bring faster and more meaningful economic progress for all Sabahans, speed up materialization of “Sabah for Sabahans” or “Sabah First”. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my