KOTA KINABALU – Checks and balances in Sabah remain unchanged even though state opposition and ruling parties are now on the same team at the federal level.
Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Christina Liew has assured that the state bloc will continue to play its role to ensure ruling coalitions – Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) – will not stray from their responsibilities.
Liew, who is Api-Api assemblyman, said this in view of GRS, BN, PH and Warisan now being a part of the federal unity government.
“We are not the opposition, (so) who is the opposition (in Sabah)?” she jested when asked by The Vibes.
“Whoever is in that position still have to carry out this (check-and-balance) job.
“PH of course, will right the wrong...we don’t buy everything that is given to us (by the government).
“We still have to stick to our principles. If we see anything that is inappropriate, we will raise it with the state government,” she said when met at a Christmas thanksgiving lunch in Menggatal, near here.
Liew also supported Upko vice-president Datuk Ewon Benedick’s call to include PH assemblymen and leaders in the Sabah government.
“I have to agree with Benedick because we are already parts and parcel of the unity government. So, I hope this will also be applied in Sabah. I know Benedick had twice suggested this (cooperation),” she said, adding that the state should form a unity government.
Liew noted talks should be held between the Sabah PH components before the matter is raised to the state leadership.
Last week, Hajiji said he would not expand the state cabinet to make space for opposition parties but did not dismiss a unity government in the state. – The Vibes, December 29, 2022
