In what could be a pivotal moment for Sabah's political landscape, reports indicate that Hajiji Noor, the leader of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), is set to take the oath of office as the state's chief minister tonight. This development is unfolding amidst ongoing negotiations and strategic discussions among key political figures. A reliable source reveals that top leaders from both GRS and its federal allies have been engaged in intense talks since the evening, working to solidify the formation of the new Sabah government.
Preliminary, unofficial figures suggest that GRS has secured around 30 seats in the state assembly, falling just seven seats short of a clear majority. However, the political scene remains fluid, as five independent candidates—who are expected to win their races—have publicly stated their willingness to support whichever party is able to form the government. This potential support could tip the scales in favor of GRS.
Meanwhile, the opposition PKR has managed to win two seats and has expressed its intention to collaborate with GRS to establish the next state administration.
The GRS coalition is made up of several local parties, including Hajiji’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Usno, Parti Cinta Sabah, the Liberal Democratic Party, and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah. Notably, GRS previously led the state government before the dissolution of the 16th Sabah assembly last month.
Hajiji’s political journey has been marked by shifting alliances. After the 2020 state election, he was appointed chief minister with backing from Sabah Bersatu, Umno, PBS, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR). However, following the 2022 general election, Hajiji’s leadership faced challenges when Sabah Bersatu members left to support the newly formed federal unity government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In January 2023, Sabah Umno withdrew its support for Hajiji, attempting to unseat him as chief minister. Despite this, some Umno assemblymen continued to back him, leading to disciplinary measures from their party. Subsequently, Hajiji expanded his coalition to include Pakatan Harapan, forging a partnership that played a significant role in the current electoral alliance.
This ongoing political maneuvering highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of Sabah’s political scene, raising questions about how stable this newly forming government will be and what the future holds for the state’s leadership.
