“Finally, we have our own home. This party is our home. Our home, which we will care for.
“In our home, we are the masters. (This is) our home, which we will preserve as best we can,” he said.
Hajiji said the change in sentiments at the grassroots level in the last five years have shown two important socio-political narratives, the first being Sabahans want a local party to lead the state.
“It’s true that we shouldn’t reject cooperation with national parties because we need to live in a federal ‘ecosystem’. However, from a state governance perspective, the people want a local party,” he said.
He said the synergy between state and federal governance must be underpinned by the principle of prioritising the interest of the state as a main agenda.
“Sabah first,” he said.
Secondly, Hajiji said, the people want the state to be governed by multiple parties, not one single party.
“This means a (state) government that has an element of check and balance, that is not only strong but inclusive,” he said, adding that Gagasan Rakyat is an important reaction to the changing dynamics of Sabah’s political landscape.
Separately, Hajiji said all matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 have surpassed the discussion stage and are now in the implementation stage.
He also said Sabah is set to regulate its own electricity supply starting Jan 1 next year.
He also urged the federal government to expedite the review of the special grant for the state under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
A number of state representatives joined Gagasan Rakyat last month, including former Warisan treasurer-general Awang Ahmad Sah, on Feb 3. Awang Ahmad is also the Petagas assemblyman.
On Feb 21, five Umno assemblymen quit the party to join Gagasan Rakyat. They are Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Jasni Daya (Pantai Dalit), Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), Hamid Awang (Balung) and James Ratib (Sugut).
Meanwhile, three Warisan assemblymen who left the party earlier in February also announced their decision to join Gagasan Rakyat.
They are Norazlinah Arif (Kunak), Chong Chen Bin (Tanjung Kapor) and Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi).