Unity and Wisdom in challenging times

Sabah Umno chief, Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin, created some political waves when he declared openly that UMNO will fight Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), the major ruling political party in the nation in the next 15th General Election (Bung was a Deputy Chief minister, at that time, October 2021).

Bung also declared that Sabah UMNO will fight any other party in the GRS coalition in the next GE and that UMNO would contest in all the seats that they have won in the 14th GE but whose winners switched sides to Bersatu.

Sabahans were shocked that Bung started this ugly fight when his party, UMNO, is a part of the ruling GRS coalition State Government, comprising Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu, STAR, SAPP, PAS and Gerakan); and Barisan Nasional (Umno, MCA, MIC, PBRS); and Parti Bersatu Sabah.

During this uneasy and toxic situation, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Sabah’s chief) remained cool and composed, defending Bung, saying that Bung was responding to PPBM President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s remarks pertaining to UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s suggestion that UMNO would defend all the parliamentary and state seats which UMNO won in the 14th general election.

During this uneasy and toxic situation, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Sabah’s chief) remained cool and composed, defending Bung, saying that Bung was responding to PPBM President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s remarks pertaining to UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s suggestion that UMNO would defend all the parliamentary and state seats which UMNO won in the 14th general election.

Amidst this political upheaval, Hajiji is a rock. He said that the political landscape in Sabah is unique. The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) parties are united and have collectively agreed to complete the five-year term mandate. Hajiji assured Sabahans that GRS will honour the mandate given by the people to manage the State. Instead of unhealthy politicking, Hajiji called for unity; development priorities; fight the COVID-19 pandemic; and pursue economic recovery.