KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has denied rumours of an impending shift in power following overtures by Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal towards state government component Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
“It is just political games being played to confuse the people and shake the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition,” he said.
Hajiji also said that the conciliatory statements from the two parties were not indicative of any change in the status quo.
“This is propaganda played by certain quarters to confuse the rakyat to try and disrupt the stability and unity among the GRS component parties,” he said.
“The government right now is very stable, and we have a strong understanding between us. We were given the mandate to rule. Our focus now is to develop Sabah, so I am not paying too much heed to this.”
Hajiji said this after handing over aid to some 25 families affected by a fire in Kampung Meruntum, Putatan here last Saturday.
An audio recording from an unknown individual went viral yesterday, alleging that the cooperation between GRS ally PBS and Warisan will see Hajiji’s administration losing their majority.
The chief minister rubbished such claims, saying that the PBS secretary-general has already denied everything. “So, this is something that is used to rattle public confidence in the state leadership. Meanwhile, we hope the public doesn’t get too affected by this because we are trying to do the work that is expected of us by the people.”
Meanwhile, PBS’ Datuk Joniston Bangkuai dismissed rumours of Shafie making a return and being sworn in as chief minister, calling it “idle chatter” as speculation increased over the Hari Raya Aidilfitri weekend.
Last week, Shafie disclosed that his party would like to work with PBS if given the chance.
The GRS state government has a comfortable majority of 48 seats in the 79-seat assembly while the Warisan Opposition holds 30 seats. PBS has seven seats. – The Vibes, May 17, 2021
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