Sabah’s revenue is about to hit RM8 billion, and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor says that’s proof enough of where his priorities lie.

He brushed off claims that he’s been promoting himself, saying his focus has always been on running the state.

“My focus is on developing Sabah, on increasing our revenue from RM4 billion to RM7 billion. In fact, this year, we could reach nearly RM8 billion,” he said at a breaking fast event in Kampung Mengkabong on Monday.

He credits stable governance and investor-friendly policies for drawing businesses to Sabah for the improved state revenue. 

“If we govern properly, we can achieve this. Investors won’t come if they see no planning or political instability.”

“There was once a leader who called himself an economic expert, yet he did nothing. 

“Just politics here, politics there, traveling here and there, cutting concession contracts—so many things, but all with the same intent.”

Hajiji did not name the leader but clearly referred to former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal who is an economist. 

He also didn’t hold back on the previous government’s handling of water concessions, blaming them for Sabah’s financial losses.

“They cut six or seven water concession companies, and we ended up paying RM315 million ‘for nothing’ because of a court ruling. That was their doing.”

With the 17th Sabah state election looming, Hajiji warned the people not to fall for opposition rhetoric.

“The opposition did nothing before. They had no direction. The people shouldn’t be fooled by their slander and accusations—that’s all they do, every single day.”

He’s confident GRS and PH Plus will hold power.

“Give us your support, and I have no doubt we’ll secure a big win in Pantai Dalit. In fact, I believe all four Tuaran seats—Sulaman, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli, and Kiulu—will stay with GRS.”

And for those frustrated with traffic jams in the area, he had a solution. The state government, he said, is already working to fix congestion along the Bulatan Berungis-T-Junction stretch.

“This has been raised by Jasnih, the Pantai Dalit assemblyman, and as a responsible government, especially with me as the Chief Minister from Tuaran, this is a priority.”

The project is worth over RM100 million, and a contractor has been appointed.

“I’ve given strong support not just to Pantai Dalit, but also to Tamparuli and Kiulu. This is what we do as a government—we manage things properly.” – March 10, 2025