Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor took the reins as Chief Minister of Sabah in September 2020, stepping into office during one of the state’s darkest hours. The COVID-19 pandemic was raging, the economy was in freefall, and political instability threatened to derail any chance of recovery. Yet, five years on, Sabah is on a path to revitalization, driven by Hajiji’s strategic vision and steadfast leadership.
“I believe I am perhaps the only Chief Minister in Sabah’s history to face such monumental challenges from day one,” Hajiji remarked during a speech to state civil servants in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday. His tenure began under extraordinary circumstances, compounded by his own battle with severe COVID-19.
Despite these obstacles, Hajiji rolled out an ambitious economic recovery plan that has sparked a slow but steady resurgence in Sabah’s economy. Under his leadership, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) saw an average growth rate of 2.2% per year, with forecasts suggesting a rise to 2.5% in 2025.
Key infrastructure projects, including the Kogopon II Water Treatment Plant and the Ulupadas Hydroelectric Dam, were launched to bolster water and energy security. These projects are part of a larger initiative to stabilize and sustain essential services throughout the state.
Economic diversification also took center stage in Hajiji’s agenda. He championed the development of the Blue Economy Industrial Park in Kudat, aiming to leverage Sabah’s maritime potential. This initiative is expected to transform Kudat into a thriving industrial township, boosting sectors like fisheries, marine tourism, and renewable energy.
Politically, Hajiji managed to navigate Sabah through a minefield of instability by skillfully building coalitions. This strategic balancing act secured a steady relationship with the Federal Government, paving the way for crucial policy agreements. One of his landmark achievements was the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with Petronas, which secured Sabah’s stake in oil and gas revenues, reinforcing his legacy in resource management.
State revenue has followed an upward trajectory under his leadership, hitting RM6.842 billion in 2024 and showing no signs of slowing down. Hajiji is optimistic that revenue will not only surpass RM7 billion but could even approach RM8 billion in 2025, fueled by strategic economic policies and ongoing political stability.
Hajiji’s focus wasn’t limited to economic growth. He also prioritized human capital development, enhancing training programs for over 4,000 civil servants and approving 1,960 promotions. Additionally, scholarship funds saw a significant increase from RM55 million in 2022 to RM128 million in 2025, reflecting his commitment to advancing educational opportunities for Sabah’s youth.
Reflecting on his tenure, Hajiji stated, “From battling COVID-19 on a hospital bed to navigating political storms, my commitment to Sabah never wavered.”
As Sabah continues its journey towards recovery and growth, Hajiji’s leadership will undoubtedly remain a pivotal factor. – February 20, 2025.
