01/12/2025

MONDAY | DEC 1, 2025

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GRS secures simple majority to form state govt

STAR pledges support for new administration KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has expressed his commitment to supporting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and contributing constructively to the government’s agenda for development, stability and progress. He said in a statement yesterday that Sabah deserves a government that works together, especially on matters of constitutional rights and long-term sovereignty. He added that the party extended its congratulations to Hajiji on his reappointment as chief minister, adding that it respects the decision of the people, and that the democratic process has once again reflected the voice and aspirations of Sabahans. “STAR also expresses its deepest gratitude to all supporters across the state, especially to the voters of Tambunan and Bingkor, for once again placing their trust in our leadership and candidates. “The confidence given strengthens our resolve to serve Sabah with integrity and purpose,” said the statement. He added that STAR reiterates its long-standing commitment towards the fulfilment of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement as provided under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Jeffrey said since the negotiation could only be carried out on a government-to-government basis, it is crucial for Sabah to have strong, principled voices involved in the process. “This struggle has always been at the core of STAR, and we stand ready to support any sincere and courageous effort to secure what rightfully belongs to Sabah.” – Bernama Upko backs incoming leadership KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), through its three victorious candidates in the 17th Sabah State Election, has pledged support for the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as the chief minister. Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick said he attended Hajiji’s swearing-in as the 17th chief minister of Sabah at Istana Seri Kinabalu early yesterday. “I, together with Upko’s elected representatives, informed Hajiji that he is welcome to form a Sabah government composed entirely of local parties. “The remainder, of course, will be for Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji to determine wisely when forming the Sabah Cabinet,” he said in a statement. Ewon retained the Kadamaian seat in the state election while Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau won in Tamparuli and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin in Moyog. He said Upko supports Hajiji’s leadership as chief minister based on the strengthening of values and good governance. “Upko urges the people of Sabah to unite to develop and advance the state and to reclaim their rights.” – Bernama

the people of Sabah for their support. “With deep gratitude, I accept the trust Sabahans have placed in me and my GRS colleagues to lead and serve once again. It is the steadfast support and confidence of the people that have propelled us to this victory.” He described the

been to drive meaningful change through Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya , fostering development that brings people together rather than dividing them,” he said, stressing that his administration would focus on inclusive growth and tangible results for the state. He also reached out to political rivals,

o Hajiji takes oath of office as chief minister for second term after clinching Sulaman seat with majority of 8,919 votes

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

According to Bernama, GRS clinched 29 seats in the 73-seat state assembly, with Warisan garnering 25, Barisan Nasional six, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) three, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) two and Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat securing one seat each. A simple majority of 37 seats is required to form the state government. Hajiji’s coalition is strengthened by the support of five independent assemblymen along with Upko’s three and PH’s one, giving him 38 seats – just over the threshold. In his first address as chief minister, Hajiji expressed gratitude to

election result as a clear call for continuity and progress, urging Sabahans to see it as the start of a renewed chapter. “Let us view this win as the beginning of

calling for unity in serving the people of Sabah. “To all who contested this election alongside us, let us put aside differences and work

PETALING JAYA: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has secured a simple majority to form the state government following the 17th Sabah State Election, with its chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor sworn in early yesterday for a second term as chief minister. Hajiji, who successfully defended his Sulaman seat for the ninth term with a majority of 8,919 votes, took his oath of office before Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu shortly after 3am. The ceremony was attended by GRS assemblymen pledging their support to the coalition.

a new journey, one guided by purpose and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for all Sabahans.” Hajiji reaffirmed GRS’ pledge to advance the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda anchored on four pillars – Sabah First, Sabah Forward, Sabah Prosper and Sabah United. “From the very start, our goal has

together in the spirit of democracy. By building trust and cooperating, we can better serve the people and the greater good of Sabah.” GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali echoed Hajiji’s sentiments in a post on his Facebook page, stating that the coalition and allied independents would move swiftly to honour the mandate and trust of Sabahans.

Hajiji waving to supporters before being sworn-in as chief minister yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

PM extends congratulations to winners of Sabah polls KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his congratulations to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for receiving the mandate to form the new state government. neglect from various parties in the past. Anwar said the Madani concerning claims and rights that affect Sabah’s interests. “Within this short period, several tangible advancements have been made regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Sabah becomes a prosperous and just state and is no longer marginalised. “The voice of the people of Sabah is a trust that we must uphold with the highest sense of responsibility.”

government would continue its work to champion the demands and rights of the people of Sabah, building on the achievements of the last three years. “ Alhamdulillah , over the past three years, we have worked to resolve every inherited issue, including those

According to the official results of the 17th Sabah State Election, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah secured 29 seats, with its closest challenger Parti Warisan obtaining 25. – Bernama

He said the federal government respects the clear message sent by the voters in the election demanding change after facing injustice and

He added that the Madani government would remain steadfast on the path of reform to ensure that