Master of the game: How resurgent Hajiji Noor will influence Anwar’s Madani govt
Hajiji Noor, known for his political survival skills, has emerged as a key ally in Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government.
Selvaraja Somiah
Never rule Hajiji out. The chief minister has proven time and again that he is a master of political survival and a shrewd strategist. Despite being virtually written off by many political pundits, with 6 Members of Parliament Hajiji’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has managed to bounce back and emerge as the fourth largest ally in the Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani Government, after Abang Johari aka Abang Jo of the Sarawak’s ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition with 23 MP seats.
With the induction of GRS Papar MP, Armizan Ali as Minister in charge of domestic trade and cost of living – Hajiji has further consolidated his position as a key ally of the Pakatan Harapan (PH). The move is being seen as a recognition of Hajiji’s political stature and his importance in the PMX’s scheme of things.
GRS is poised to play a crucial role in the Madani Government. As the fourth largest ally of the Madani Government, Hajiji’s GRS has a significant say in the decision-making process of the Federal Government.
With his vast experience in politics and his reputation as a skillful administrator, Hajiji is a key figure in shaping the policies and priorities of the GRS -PH Sabah govt.
GRS support is essential for PMX to secure a comfortable majority in the Dewan Rakyat, and this gives Hajiji considerable leverage in negotiations with Federal leadership.
Hajiji’s political journey exemplifies his resilience, adaptability, and political acumen. He has successfully navigated the turbulent waters of Sabah politics and emerged as a leader who cannot be disregarded or dismissed. As he becomes a “kingmaker” at a crucial juncture of his political career, Hajiji will undoubtedly strive to further solidify his legacy as a transformative leader who reshaped Sabah.
Hajiji’s political journey has been an interesting ride. He started his career as an USNO (United Sabah National Organisation) leader and was a close associate of the legendary Tun Mustapha and the Late Tun Abdul Ghafar bin Baba. He later joined UMNO (United Malays National Organisation) in 1994 following the dissolution of USNO. He served as the Political Secretary for the Deputy Prime Minister Ghafar Baba in the Dr Mahathir’s Government from 1992 to 1993. He was also member of the Bank Rakyat’s board of directors from 1991 to 1994. He remained as an Assembly Member for Sulaman for six terms and is currently serving the seventh term.
In 2020 Hajiji led the GRS to a historic victory and became the CM of Sabah for the first time. Right from the get-go his priorities was bringing about a transformation in the state, which had long been afflicted by illegals, poverty, and underdevelopment. His govt’s emphasis on improving law and order in the east coast of Sabah, infrastructure, and social welfare programmes has in the last four years earned him widespread admiration and popularity.
However, Hajiji’s political fortunes nearly took a hit in 2023 when a coup by Umno Sabah and Warisan to oust Hajiji and an attempt to overthrow the state government had failed. In the fallout, Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin was dropped as deputy chief minister and several other Sabah Umno leaders lost their state Cabinet posts as well.
But Hajiji was not one to give up easily. The coup failed when some of the Umno assemblymen themselves and PH (DAP + PKR + Upko) declared support for Hajiji. Hajiji then formed a new govt with the support of the PH, and some of the Umno assemblymen who turned against Bung Moktar.
Hajiji may be in for a test sooner, as he grapples to keep warlords in control and limit the vaulting ambitions of their families.
