Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other leaders from the state’s ruling coalition attended the 2026 PKR National Congress in Melaka over the weekend, a move Sabah PKR described as a sign of strengthening ties between the state and federal governments.
Presence at congress signals broader cooperation
Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Sabah PKR leadership council chairman and minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak affairs), said the attendance of Hajiji and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders reflected a commitment to collaboration that goes beyond politics. The event, themed “Memugar Reformasi, Membina Madani,” was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as PKR president.
“Our priority is to ensure that stability translates into development, economic opportunities, better basic amenities, and solutions to issues that directly affect the lives of Sabahans,” Mustapha said in a statement. He added that the unity government under Anwar had a responsibility to implement national development in an inclusive and equitable way, addressing the needs of all regions, including Sabah.
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Mustapha also emphasized PKR’s role in advocating for Sabah’s rights, particularly the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) within a federal framework that respects the state’s special status.
The gesture of attending the congress wasn’t lost on observers. For a state government coalition that has historically positioned itself as distinct from federal politics, the presence of its top leaders at a PKR event carried symbolic weight. It suggested a shift—or at least a willingness to engage—on issues where Sabah’s interests align with those of the federal administration.
Political unity over differences
Mustapha expressed gratitude for the attendance of Hajiji and other GRS leaders, which included Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang, and Sabah Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Also present were Sabah Education, Science and Technology Minister Datuk James Ratib, GRS deputy secretary general Datuk Mohd Razali Mohd Razi, and Balung assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abas.
“Their presence sends a message that political differences should not prevent us from working together for Sabah’s interests,” Mustapha said. The statement did not specify whether the leaders participated in any formal discussions during the event, but their attendance alone was enough to signal a thaw in relations.
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The congress, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre, drew attention not just for its political implications but also for its timing.
Still, the relationship between Sabah and the federal government is rarely straightforward. Even as GRS leaders attended the PKR congress, the coalition has maintained its own identity. The challenge, as always, will be translating symbolic gestures into tangible outcomes.
The congress concluded without any major announcements, but the optics were clear. For now, at least, both sides appear willing to set aside differences in pursuit of common goals.
