KOTA KINABALU – The appointment of PAS’ Aliakbar Gulasan as a nominated assemblyman should not be taken as the Sabah government’s endorsement of the Islamist party and its views, said Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan.
“Aliakbar is a nominated assemblyman with no ministerial duty. He has not been appointed law and native affairs minister as rumoured by DAP and Warisan,” said the deputy chief minister in a statement.
“I would like to stress here that the appointment of nominated assemblymen is the prerogative of the chief minister,” he said, adding that it is unfortunate that Aliakbar was chosen as one of the six, and this has opened up the state government to criticism and ridicule.
The Sabah Star president said the party holds fast to its principle that any political outfit whose ideals are not compatible with Sabah’s multicultural values and sensitivity should be rejected.
“PAS leaders have, time and again, issued statements that upset the feelings and sentiments of multicultural and multireligious Sabah.
“Sabahans do not need a political party to teach them about unity between religions. Sabah is a shining example of multireligious unity, together with our neighbour, Sarawak.”
He said his remarks should not be construed as a personal attack on Aliakbar, and pointed instead to another leader from the rep’s party who made an erroneous claim about the Bible in Parliament.
“The comment deeply offended Christians in Sabah and Sarawak, and Aliakbar, as a Sabahan, is in touch with the reality of Sabah.”
He called on Sabah Star members and the public not to give in to the opposition’s taunts.
“Let us be responsible citizens who see things from all perspectives, not just our own.
“We have lots of work to do, and politics should be put on the back burner for now. Or else, we will end up like the previous state government. No action, talk only.”
He conveyed his party’s congratulations to the new assembly speaker, five ministers, 18 assistant ministers and six nominated assemblymen who took their oaths today.
Sabah Star’s Datuk Ellron Angin has been made youth and sports minister, while four other members, including the party’s sole female rep, Flovia Ng, were appointed assistant ministers.
“Personally, I would like to welcome my friend, Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, who has been appointed one of the six nominated assemblymen,” said Jeffrey.
“I am confident this new line-up, which is a combination of new and experienced leaders, will be able to bring Sabah back on course.” – The Vibes, October 8, 2020
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