Expert: Hajiji must play his cards well to keep govt in power until 2025

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajij Noor must play his cards carefully to ensure the state government’s stability until the term expires in 2025.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) political analyst Romzi Ationg said the newly formed cabinet included all the political parties that had pledged support for Hajiji’s administration.

They comprise assemblymen from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan, Pakatan Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Pas and an independent.

“We hope (that it is the end of the political drama in Sabah). But if the politicians remain dissatisfied with any move by Hajiji, we may see another drama,” he said, adding that assemblymen should work hard for the state’s development instead of politicking.

Romzi added that it was difficult to say that the political interference from the central government would stop, based on Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s latest statement that “the game is still on”.

Bung Moktar has said the party, which pulled its support for Hajiji’s administration, would not acknowledge the appointment of its two assemblymen in the cabinet. They are Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Datuk Seri Shahelmey Yahya, who was appointed as deputy chief minister and state public works minister, and Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib, who was appointed as community development and people’s wellbeing minister.

On whether Bung Moktar’s statement carried any weight after several failed attempts to topple the state government, Romzi said: “For now, there is none. But if there are assemblymen who are interested in joining (another plot to topple Hajiji), then that is another story.”

“Frog jumping”, he said, is still possible in Sabah.

“Anything can happen in politics, but we hope these assemblymen will not easily change their minds. Despite that, I urge all parties to focus on fulfilling their election promises rather than destabilising state politics. We have problems such as inflation and poverty, we need to deal with these issues first.”

UMS Borneo geopolitics and electoral studies lecturer Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the fate of 35 lawmakers from Umno, Parti Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat and their political careers might be at stake for wreaking havoc on Sabah politics.

“However, for hardcore supporters and sympathisers, including those on the fence or new voters, they may have their own mind to vote for this group of 35 if there are issues arising related to the GRS government within this 2½-year term.”