KOTA KINABALU – Umno is calling for a ceasefire in its spat with state ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) after a botched attempt to topple the Sabah government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he himself would oversee the measures to address its stalemate with GRS.
“I will take my own initiative to deal with the problem. What will happen next will be known soon.
“We hope there will not be interpretations, speculations, or statements made that could further worsen the existing stalemate, either from our side or from the (GRS) parties.
“We are looking to find common ground between us, while respecting the political differences which also exist between us,” said Zahid who was visiting the state in his capacity as deputy prime minister.
He set no timeframe for the ceasefire but said one of the measures he would take would be to talk to Hajiji.
Zahid, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, spoke to reporters after chairing a special briefing at the Sabah Umno office here today.
Also present at the meeting were Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and other top state Umno leaders.
Sabah Umno and GRS are in a stalemate after the former withdrew its cooperation with GRS in the state government last month, which placed Hajiji in danger of losing the support needed to remain as chief minister.
Hajiji then reshuffled the state cabinet, dropping Bung and other Umno representatives from state ministerial posts.
Zahid today also said he would deal with the Sabah Umno dissidents separately, in reference to those who did not agree with Bung when the state party at the time decided to withdraw support for Hajiji.
The Umno president said there will be a due process to follow with the party’s disciplinary board.
“I will lay out this matter separately. We have discussed the issue. I think some solution has to be found. I think an amicable solution will be announced later.”
The five Sabah Umno assemblymen who disobeyed Bung are Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tg Keramat), Datuk Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), and Datuk James Ratib (Sugut). – The Vibes, January 30, 2023
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