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KOTA KINABALU: Hajiji Noor has been a household name in Sabah since his foray into the state’s political arena 30 years ago.
Born in Kampung Serusup, Tuaran, it had never crossed his mind to enter politics and become an elected representative because he felt more comfortable being a government official.
“I never thought or had the ambition to be a politician. I was happy to be a government official, but this is God’s will, ”he told Bernama.
Among the top positions he held in the Sabah government were as Minister of Housing and Local Government and as Deputy Minister in various ministries such as arts, youth and sports, finance and the Chief Minister’s Department.
Hajiji, 65, was in his 30s when he entered politics and was actively advocating for local issues using the United National Organization of Sabah (Usno) platform. He was presented as a candidate for the electoral district of Sulaman in 1990, where he won with a majority of 281 votes.
Hajiji, who graduated in politics from the University of New Hampshire in the United States, then forged his political path with Umno beginning in 1993. He has held the same position for seven terms under Umno and PPBM.
He has held various positions in both parties, such as Tuaran Umno Division Chief, Sabah Umno President, and currently Sabah PPBM Chief and Perikatan Nasional (PN) President.
In the 14th general election, Hajiji obtained 12,966 votes ahead of Abdullah Sani Daud of Warisan (5,192) and Arifin Harith of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (467).
Hajiji’s charisma, leadership and friendly personality and commitment in the performance of his duties continued to win the hearts of constituents in Saturday’s election as he garnered 5,919 votes in a three-way fight, beating his nephew Aliasgar Basri of Warisan, who got 2,820 votes, and Cinta Sabah’s Parti Rekan Hussien, who won 253 votes.
Married to Juliah Salag, they have four children and 12 grandchildren.
