KOTA KINABALU, October 13 — As caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor seeks a renewed mandate under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) banner, voters are set to weigh his administration’s five-year roadmap for transformation against its tangible results.
Launched in 2021, the SMJ Development Plan outlined priorities in agriculture, industry, tourism, human capital and infrastructure — credited by supporters for reviving post-pandemic growth and attracting record investments, while expanding education aid, social welfare and affordable housing.
However, critics argue that progress has been uneven, pointing to ongoing water supply disruptions, delayed infrastructure projects and rising living costs. Despite multiple initiatives — including dam developments in Papar and Tawau.
Non-revenue water losses remain among the highest in the country, with daily hardships fueling public frustration. Corruption probes involving several assemblymen have further eroded confidence, even as the administration touts political stability and closer cooperation with the federal government.
Hajiji’s tenure, marked by both coalition turbulence and resilience, saw him survive multiple political crises and consolidate power through his Gagasan Rakyat-led alliance.
As Sabah prepares for the polls, the challenge for Hajiji lies in convincing voters that the SMJ vision can translate from policy to progress — ensuring that economic growth and infrastructure promises deliver meaningful impact on everyday lives.
