Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has warned members of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah to stand firmly behind their chosen candidates and avoid acts of sabotage when the state election approaches.

“Whoever is chosen as a candidate, we must give them full support. There must be no sabotage. At the same time, we must maintain political stability,” he said during the launch of the party’s Information Machinery “Gasak 17” in Tuaran on Saturday. 

He also reiterated the need for full backing of whoever is selected to represent the party.

“I also want whoever is chosen as the candidate to be supported. Never let there be elements of sabotage. At the same time, we want political stability.”

Hajiji, who is also the President of Gagasan Rakyat, told party leaders that the information machinery must be strengthened to counter the opposition’s attacks.

“Our information machinery carries a heavy responsibility. We must not only fight the lies and slander of the opposition but also take control of the digital space and social media,” he said.

He added that dominating the digital world was essential to spread awareness of the GRS-PH Plus government’s achievements.

“In combating the opposition’s propaganda, it is important for us to master the digital world or today’s technology through social media. 

“This is to ensure we become a fast-moving machinery not just to fight the opposition’s lies, but more importantly, to disseminate the initiatives, aid and successes achieved by the GRS-PH Plus government,” he said. 

As Sabah moves closer to an election year, Hajiji urged the party to work harder at explaining government efforts to the grassroots.

“This year is an election year, therefore the party machinery, particularly the information machinery, must work hard to provide explanations and information to the people… God willing, GRS will be given the mandate once again by the people in the upcoming election,” he said. 

He said many initiatives launched by the GRS administration had never been done before, especially not by previous governments.

“Many initiatives have been brought by the GRS government, most of which were never done by previous governments, much less by the Warisan government, which only knows how to lie and spread slander,” he said.

Hajiji mentioned the state’s educational aid programmes, the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing programme, and the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Sabah (SYUKUR) programme as some of them. 

He also pointed to the success in attracting foreign investment to spur economic growth and create jobs.

“These achievements must be explained and disseminated to the people. This is what the GRS government has implemented in more than four years,” he said. 

Hajiji acknowledged that combating the opposition’s misinformation would remain a challenge.

“It is the opposition’s job to spread lies and make slander. Therefore, we must fight them with what we have achieved while governing.”

“Even though the people know how to evaluate, it is still our duty, especially the information machinery, to continue giving explanations, to fight the opposition because they will continue to spread lies,” he said. 

Hajiji claimed the opposition was increasingly frustrated with Gagasan Rakyat and GRS’s growing support across Sabah’s multiracial communities.

“The opposition is frustrated because Gagasan Rakyat and GRS continue to be accepted by the people of various races in this state,” he said.

Earlier, Hajiji attended the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Hari Raya Open House at Dewan Tun Hamdan in Tamparuli, strengthening ties within the GRS coalition ahead of the expected election. – April 26, 2025