Bersatu's only state chief exec left told to take a page out of Umno's book

 

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Mohd Noor, Bersatu's only state chief executive left after losing the top job in Johor, Perak and Malacca, has been asked to emulate Umno in making concessions to the opposition to encourage bipartisanship.

This came after Umno's Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad acceded to opposition request for democratic reforms, including the equal allocation for government and opposition assemblypersons.

The concession came amid strained ties between Umno and Bersatu even though they are part of the same coalition governments in several states, threatening their stability.

DAP's Luyang assemblyperson Phoong Jin Zhe said Hajiji (above) should follow in Hasni's footsteps and be inclusive and tolerant of the opposition.

Phoong (photo) said he had last month asked if the Sabah government was prepared to provide development allocation for the opposition.

"This is to ensure every Sabahan is treated equally and fairly, no matter the constituents are from the opposition or government constituencies, no one should not be left out or neglected.

"However, I am disappointed by the written replies as the state government answered that they are not prepared yet to approve such allocations," he said.

Noting that Hasni had described the Johor opposition as a "strategic partner", Phoong said the opposition can play the same role in Sabah.

"In Sabah, most urban constituencies representatives are from the opposition camp and the government is made up of majority representatives from rural area constituencies, both parties should work alongside to develop and create more opportunities for the state of Sabah and the people," he said. - Mkini