PENAMPANG: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said it is crucial  for the people to be united so that Sabah can become strong without having to rely on  other political giants. 

"If we are united and strong, we can chart our own political destiny. 

"It is for this very reason, I took the challenge to gather Sabahan leaders under the  Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)," he said at the opening of the United Sabah National  Organisation (Usno) headquarters at Wisma Usno in Donggongon Avenue here last  night. 

He said the main objective to form GRS was for all local parties in Sabah to unite under  one roof. 

He said it was not an easy task to bring leaders into GRS such as Tan Sri Pandikar Amin  Mulia (Usno), Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee (SAPP), Datuk Seri Panglima Dr  Jeffrey Kitingan (Star), Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili (PBS) and now two  others Datuk Chin Su Phin (LDP) and Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah (Parti Harapan). 

"There were many obstacles and challenges but my intention in gathering all these  leaders is sincere. I want Sabah to move forward and to be respected," said Hajiji who  is chairman of GRS. 

He reminded politics is dynamic and can change according to time and circumstances  which has see Sabah changing government several times beginning from Usno,  Berjaya, PBS, BN, Warisan, Bersatu and now GRS. 

Hajiji turned emotional when reminiscing his involvement in politics that began in Usno  in 1990 when he was handpicked by then Usno President the late Tun Mustapha Datu  Harun to stand in Sulaman. 

"I was in the civil service and I would have never thought of becoming a politician what  whith Usno being in the opposition then. I knew it was not easy to be an opposition  assemblyman but after pondering for a couple of weeks I accepted and won," he said. 

He attributed his win to Usno's struggle, which is close to the heart of the people.

"It was where my political struggle started. That is why I did not hesitate when invited by  Tan Sri Pandikar to officiate at the opening of Wisma Usno tonight. I came because I  remember and respect all that Usno has done for me," he said. 

Hajiji advised Usno members and supporters to continue standing behind Pandikar in  the effort to rebuild the party to become strong in GRS. 

Later, Hajiji accompanied by Pandikar signed the commemoration plaque before visiting  Wisma Usno building. 

Present were Usno supreme council members, Umno Usukan Assemblyman Datuk  Salleh Tun Said, GRS Kota Kinabalu chief, Datuk Faisyal Yusof Hamdain Diego and  GRS leaders. 

Ends