Azmin to Sabahans: Elect state govt that shares same aspirations as federal

Sabahans were urged today to elect a state government that shares the same aspirations as its federal counterpart to ensure state development plans run smoothly.

Perikatan Nasional information chief Mohamed Azmin Ali, in making this call, said this was important so that federal policies can be implemented more effectively at both state and grassroots level.

Azmin, who is senior minister and minister of international trade and industry, said a state administration would need to have good ties with the federal government, adding that the people, therefore, should reject a non-functional state government that only wants to play politics.

“Of course we want a state government that respects and carries the federalism spirit. Ties between both state and federal are important as there are provisions in the constitution that need support from the federal government. The state election is the best opportunity (to achieve this),” he told reporters at a Sabah Bersatu luncheon and gathering in Kota Kinabalu today.

Also present were Bersatu information chief Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, who is also senior minister and education minister, Sabah Bersatu chief Hajiji Noor and Sabah Bersatu secretary Ronald Kiandee, who is also minister of agriculture and food industries.

Mohamed Azmin said the change in federal government early this year needs the backing and cooperation of the state government.

When asked, he also said that former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s decision to set up a new political party was his democratic right.

Speaking at the same function, Hajiji said it was important for the Sabah government to be working together with the federal government so that more aid and development allocations could be channelled to the state.

With its vast geographical area, Sabah needs more allocation for development, in a situation where its population is still yearning for development politics, he said.

“Sabah wants development politics. Sabah is a big state that still needs a lot of allocation for the people," said the Sulaman assemblyperson.

Hajiji later handed over 20,080 membership forms to the party secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin, bringing the total membership of Bersatu Sabah to 105,385. - Bernama