Sabah leaders call on Anwar in show of support

 

GRS chairman Hajiji Noor (right) during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (second from right) in Putrajaya today.

PETALING JAYA: Political leaders from Sabah called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim separately at his office in Putrajaya today in a show of support for the unity government being formed.

In a Facebook posting, Anwar said Hajiji Noor, chairman of Sabah’s ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah had promised Anwar the coalition’s support and full cooperation.

Anwar also said he received a courtesy call from Warisan president Shafie Apdal, adding that he welcomed the party’s commitment to his unity government.

Hajiji, who is Sabah chief minister, said in a statement that he hoped today’s meeting would mark the start of closer ties between the state and the federal government, and the beginning of a working relationship with Anwar for the benefit of Sabah and well-being of its people.

After the inconclusive general election last week, GRS had said it would support Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin to form a government after no coalition won enough seats for a parliamentary majority.

However, on Friday, Anwar said GRS had decided to join his government, giving the coalition enough seats for a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.

Hajiji said yesterday he was confident that Muhyiddin would understand GRS’ decision to join the unity government. “We take into account the interests of Sabah under GRS. We give priority to this state,” he said after the tabling of Sabah’s 2023 budget at the state assembly.

GRS comprises Sabah Bersatu, STAR, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Usno. Bersatu, SAPP and STAR are also part of the Muhyiddin-led PN.

Anwar has secured support from Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, GRS, and MPs from Muda, Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat, as well as two independents.

GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg had called on Anwar at his residence yesterday, with BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail present. - FMT