Newly appointed Sabah minister Phoong Jin Zhe said Chief Minister Hajiji Noor's decision to drop the finance portfolio was a "progressive" move.
Noting that Hajiji was the first Sabah chief minister to do so, Phoong said Pakatan Harapan had proposed similar arrangements in the past.
"I believe the people of Sabah will support this... Of course, at the federal level, the political landscape and dynamics are different," he added.
Hajiji reshuffled his cabinet today which saw him ceding the finance portfolio to trusted ally Masidi Manjun (GRS-Karanaan).
Phoong (Harapan-Luyang), Christina Liew (Harapan-Api Api) and James Ratib (BN-Sugut) were added to Hajiji's cabinet while Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Lamag), Yakub Khan (BN-Karambunai) and Jafry Ariffin (BN-Sukau) were dropped.
This reshuffle took place following Sabah BN's unsuccessful attempt to oust Hajiji last Friday by withdrawing the support of their 17 assemblypersons.
Five BN assemblypersons refused to toe the line while Harapan's seven lawmakers pledged their support for Hajiji.
On Monday night, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attempted to intervene by proposing a unity government. Although BN and Warisan appeared keen, Hajiji was not.
Phoong said after the reshuffle, the Sabah government could still be considered a "unity government".
"I believe the people of Sabah want an end to the whole episode. I believe that even though some may not be satisfied with this decision, I personally consider this a 'unity government'," he added.
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