From Apolitical to Questioning: Reflections on Sabah's Political Shifts

I read the following newspaper report last night and thought it best to write about it while it is still fresh in my mind. LINK 

Extracts from the Newspaper report:

Development and reform programmes planned by the Government risk being derailed if the opposition is given the mandate in the 17th State Election on Nov 29.

Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed this concern based on past experience when Parti Warisan assumed government in 2018.

He said at the time, Warisan acted more out of revenge…

At the start of this blog series, I openly admitted my near-total ignorance of politics. For most of my life, I've stayed firmly apolitical, content to focus on my own world. That changed when my repeated emails to current ministers and civil servants went unanswered, leaving me feeling dismissed and frustrated. It's pushed me to speak up, even as someone still learning the ropes.

I'm particularly unclear on Datuk Hajiji Noor’s experiences during the 2018 handover when Parti Warisan took control of the Sabah state government. I can only share what I've directly observed or been told. Hajiji has publicly stated that Warisan's actions were driven more by revenge than reason—I won't weigh in on that claim. But it does raise some nagging questions for me, especially around key decisions that seem to undo progress without clear justification.

Take Datuk Haji Jamalul Kiram, for instance. From everyone I've spoken to, his tenure as director of Sabah Softwood and Innoprise has been nothing short of stellar. Before his appointment, the Innoprise car park would be half-empty by 4 p.m., a telltale sign of low morale and productivity. Under Jamalul's leadership, that changed dramatically: at 5 p.m., the lot was still packed.

He also played a pivotal role in sealing a crucial deal with Rentak Hasil Sdn. Bhd., negotiating a fair purchase price after thorough discussions. This wasn't just paperwork—it was a step toward stabilizing and growing these vital state assets.

So why, then, did Hajiji remove Jamalul upon taking office in 2020, replacing him with someone widely seen as ill-equipped for the role? Was it payback? Revenge for past alignments?

The pattern feels even more pronounced in the saga of Sabah Softwood's shares. Under Shafie Apdal's administration, there was a clear directive: acquire the remaining 49% stake held by Rentak Hasil. This wasn't rushed; it followed a professional valuation and dragged on for months of tough, good-faith negotiations to land on an equitable price.

Yet, once Hajiji assumed power, that entire process was abruptly reversed. No explanation offered, just a U-turn that stalled momentum and sowed confusion. Why unwind a deal that was so painstakingly built? Was this, too, rooted in revenge rather than strategy?

These aren't accusations—they're honest questions from someone piecing together a puzzle I never expected to tackle. If politics is about serving the people and building Sabah's future, actions like these, demand transparency.

I'd love to hear from those involved: What am I missing? What's the real story here? In the meantime, I'll keep asking, because silence from the top has already taught me that much.