KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor and his fellow Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders are keenly looking forward to the prospect of having Sabah’s state rights, especially that etched under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, duly restored under new Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
In a congratulatory statement, Hajiji said that he hopes the appointment will strengthen federal and state ties, and push further the development of Sabah, as well the fulfilment of state rights.
“Sabah will continue to fight for this, and other issues related to state rights, and that Sabah be given priority for her needs.
“Now that the political turmoil at the federal level has been resolved, let us unite and put away our differences, to end Covid-19 and build up our economy,” he said.
Ismail Sabri, who is Umno vice-president and Bera MP, was announced as the country’s ninth prime minister by Istana Negara following a meeting of the Conference of Rulers this afternoon.
He will now have to face a vote of confidence in Parliament, as decreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The next sitting of the Dewan Rakyat starts on September 6.
Hajiji, who heads Sabah Bersatu, also thanked former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for his service to Malaysians and the people in Sabah.
Meanwhile, GRS-friendly Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) also hailed the appointment, describing Ismail Sabri as the perfect candidate to fill the unprecedented leadership vacuum in Malaysia.
Its president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said that Ismail Sabri has shown his leadership capabilities and skills in the last 17 months, first as a senior minister and later as the deputy prime minister.
In the last 17 months, he had the opportunity to exemplify his leadership as the deputy prime minister, and senior minister of defence and security, and played a key role in managing the ongoing battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are confident that Ismail Sabri will do extremely well as he takes on the job as the prime minister.
“PBS looks forward to working closely with him, especially on the development and security needs of Sabah, and as for both Sabah and Sarawak, to resolve outstanding matters related to the Malaysia Agreement of 1963,” he said.
The Kota Marudu MP added that Ismail Sabri had always spoken up on the need for compliance with A63, as well as always supported the development needs and demands of Sabah and Sarawak.
Ismail Sabri will now take on the task of chairing the MA63 Special Council as the new prime minister.
“Of course, the immediate task at hand for the new prime minister and the government is to win the fight against the deadly Covid-19 virus and achieve economic recovery as soon as possible. We, in PBS, believe the new prime minister is ready for the task ahead,” Ongkili said.
‘A historic transition’
Sabah Star president Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said the party is delighted to be part of the historic transition and is convinced that Ismail Sabri, who has an extensive experience in the federal administration, will carry on the good work of his predecessor.
“There is no question that the new federal administration will continue to collaborate with the GRS government in Sabah, including restoring the rights of Sabah and her people, as this is an issue of great importance for us.
“After weeks of political uncertainty, I hope that the question of who has the majority will be put to rest and that all political parties will finally be able to work together as we continue our battle against Covid-19,” he said.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) leader Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said he believes Ismail Sabri’s vast experience in government will now come in handy, especially with the instability of the country due to the pandemic.
The new federal cabinet must be appointed and focus on efforts to end the pandemic, restore the economy and assist the people who are facing difficulties now, he said.
Kurup also called on all parties to set aside their differences and work to deal with the problems the country is facing at present. – The Vibes, August 20, 2021.
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