KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has lauded the selection of Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor as chief minister.
PBS president Datuk Maximus Ongkili said the decision was in accordance with the party's proposal during the Sabah poll election.
"We (PBS) are confident, with the support of members of GRS, that Hajiji will be able to execute his duties well, based on his vast experience as a former senior member of the State Cabinet and seven term assemblyman, and will be invaluable, thus put into good use to serve the rakyat.
"The Party also believes that Hajiji would be able to honour the mandate given by the rakyat and lead Sabah and the state administration as the Chief Minister for all Sabahans," said the federal minister in-charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs.
The Vibes has earlier reported that the six PBS assemblypersons will back Hajiji as chief minister.
If all goes well, he is expected to be sworn in tomorrow at the Istana Negeri Sabah at 10.30am tomorrow.
Moments before the GRS announcement today, PBS secretary-general Datuk Jahid Jahim arrived at the Istana Negeri Sabah to hand in 41 statutory declarations to the office of state governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
"I'm here on behalf of the GRS to hand over the SDs stating our support for the chief minister of our choice,” he said when met by reporters at the palace gates.
Appearing with leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Hajiji said the decision was reached among these GRS components after protracted talks among them.
He added that GRS is ready for the swearing-in ceremony when it is called by the governor.
"GRS have agreed to form the new state government," he told.
The GRS components collectively won 38 seats. Three independents emerged victorious, and they are said to be GRS-friendly. – The Vibes, September 28, 2020