Anwar praises Hajiji’s prowess in surviving attempted coup

 

Anwar Ibrahim with Hajiji Noor (left) at a dinner with Sabah’s Cabinet members. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised Hajiji Noor’s political astuteness which has helped the Sabah chief minister remain in power despite an attempt to oust him in January.

Anwar said he was impressed with Hajiji’s ability to stabilise the political landscape in the state, the Malay Mail reported.

“Hajiji, even though he is known to be mild-mannered, has used some ‘silat’ moves and stayed in power, and even has a majority now,” Anwar was quoted as saying.

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The prime minister was addressing the Sabah civil service in Kota Kinabalu during his first official visit to the state.

Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Bung Moktar Radin had earlier this year attempted to oust Hajiji from office by announcing that the coalition was withdrawing its support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman.

However, Bung’s attempt, which was supported by Warisan, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat, and an independent assemblyman, failed after Hajiji proved he had the support of the majority of the assemblymen in the state.

Barisan Nasional is part of Anwar’s unity government, which also comprises Gabungan Parti Sarawak and GRS.

Asked if he would want a similar unity government in Sabah, Anwar said it was up to the state government.

“Our position is that we invite everyone. But based on the state’s peculiar experience, I leave it to Sabah to decide.” - FMT