Newly appointed Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Shahelmey Yahya has advised those who oppose Chief Minister Hajiji Noor to be a constructive opposition.
Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in of new cabinet members today, Shahelmy (above) said the cabinet reshuffle was one way of abiding by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's advice to form a unity government.
"A cabinet reshuffle is one of the formulas for a unity government. We added three new faces - two from Pakatan Harapan and one from BN.
"Of course (in relation to) those from Warisan and the group (of BN lawmakers) who rebelled against Hajiji (last Friday), we have decided not to include them.
"Therefore, they have to accept it. They need to cool off and be a constructive opposition. Let's focus on developing Sabah first.
"Come 2025 when our term expires, we will see a mandate from the rakyat (again)," Shahelmey told reporters.
There are two BN members in Hajiji's cabinet, down from four previously.
Shahelmey (BN-Tanjung Keramat) was today promoted from community development minister to DCM III and works minister while James Ratib (BN-Sugut) joined the cabinet after a short stint as an assistant minister.
The duo were among five BN assemblypersons who refused to obey Sabah BN leader Bung Moktar Radin's decision last Friday to withdraw support for Hajiji.
When Hajiji formed his first cabinet in 2020, he appointed Bung as DCM I.
Earlier today, Bung told Malaysiakini that Sabah BN did not sanction Shahelmey and James' participation in Hajiji's cabinet.
Shahelmy told reporters that he was still an Umno member and he met party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Tuesday.
He also confirmed that he will not be attending the Umno general assembly which will begin on Friday.
"I'm not a delegate to the Umno general assembly. Since I now have a new portfolio, I want to concentrate (on my new duties) first," he said. - Mkini
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