KOTA KINABALU – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s offer should not be viewed with disdain, but rather as a rare opportunity for all political leaders to work together, said Parti Bersatu Sabah leader Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili in a statement tonight.
“Given the uncertain political scenario, whichever side one takes, this is a rare opportunity to work together and set aside our political differences, living up to the ‘Rakyat First’ slogan.
“The more urgent task is to win the battle against Covid-19, save lives, and achieve economic recovery.
“It is not the time to quarrel and fight over who should be prime minister. We can solve that problem by going for a general election,” he said.
Ongkili, who is also Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister, also said it is not the time for an election due to the pandemic.
“The seven proposals for stability and cooperation by the prime minister should be considered positively by all parties.
“It is an opportunity for interparty cooperation and to work hand-in-hand to put this country back on firm footing on the road to health and economic recovery,” he said.
Ongkili also said the formation of the interim government, comprising Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak in Perikatan Nasional, will pursue the tabling of a new constitutional amendment of Article 1(2) to restore the definition of the Federation of Malaysia in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Ongkili was referring to the equal statuses of Sabah and Sarawak with the Federation of Malaya, not merely as two of the 13 states in Malaysia.
“We are convinced all MPs from Sabah and Sarawak will be one in voicing support for this plan,” he said. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
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