Cooperation, state rights among focus of Hajiji’s Sarawak visit

KUCHING – Exploration of new areas of cooperation, bolstering ties and state rights talks are among the highlights of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor’s one-day visit to Sarawak today.

A statement issued by his office noted that Hajiji arrived in the neighbouring state along with a high-powered delegation, where he met with Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

He was accompanied by his three deputies, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Speaker Datuk Kadzim M. Yahya, as well as state Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.

It is Hajiji’s maiden visit and comes following Abang Johari’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak landslide election victory last December.

“The visit is also aimed at exploring new areas of cooperation between the two Bornean states as regional partners in the Federation of Malaysia.

“Sabah and Sarawak have many similarities in terms of culture, history and struggles. Hence, there is much synergy to harness for our common good.

“As members of the MA63 Special Council chaired by the prime minister, we have cohesively worked together to push for the momentous passing of the Federal Constitution Amendment 2021 relevant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963, last year,” Hajiji said today.

At the meeting, also attended by his cabinet members, Abang Johari shared his views on several matters including state-federal relations, the need for political stability, Sarawak rights and the common stand Sarawak and Sabah can take in pursuing state rights.

Hajiji and Abang Johari are long-time friends and colleagues, having served as ministers of housing in their previous state governments. – The Vibes, January 31, 2022