Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has mocked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Perikatan Nasional (PN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, ridiculing their political relationship and leadership as ineffective.

Taking aim at their recent war of words, Bung zeroed in on Hajiji’s repeated use of “palui” – a Sabah slang term meaning “foolish” or “idiot” – to describe Hamzah during a roadshow. 

Bung turned the insult back on Hajiji, claiming it also reflected the Chief Minister’s own shortcomings.

“If you think about it, Hajiji became Chief Minister because of Hamzah,” Bung said, adding that he must have heard Hajiji mentioned the ‘palui’ word at least 10 times at the event. 

“So, when a ‘palui’ man appoints a ‘palui’ Chief Minister, naturally, the Chief Minister also becomes ‘palui.’” 

Bung was referring to the Hajiji’s statement during the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Jelajah Sayangi Sabah event held in Keningau recently. 

The veteran leader called on Sabahans to reject Hajiji’s leadership and his political party in the next state election. 

“That’s why I suggest the people of Sabah not to vote for a ‘palui’ Chief Minister or a ‘palui’ party. Please vote for Barisan Nasional,” he said.

The remarks come amid escalating tension between Hajiji and Hamzah, who had criticized Hajiji’s governance. 

Hamzah had accused Hajiji of prioritising political survival over serving Sabahans, when referencing Hajiji’s constant of political parties between 2018 until 2023. 

Hajiji left Umno to form Bersatu and later left Bersatu to take over Gagasan Rakyat. – January 26, 2025