KOTA KINABALU – A vote of confidence for Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor as Sabah chief minister can be done if required, said PBS deputy president Datuk Joachim Gunsalam following reports of an attempt to oust the state leader.
Joachim, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, however said this was not needed as Hajiji still has the support of the majority.
“There’s no need to call for a vote of confidence. But if it is required, I am sure we can make one,” said Joachim when met at the presentation ceremony of lion heads to various associations and temples in the state at the Magellan Sutera Resort and Spa here today.
He noted in the case of PBS the party backs Hajiji “110%”.
Joachim's comment comes after Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun alleged that certain parties are trying to oust the current state government with the support of state assemblymen.
Masidi claimed that GRS had received admissions of support for many assemblymen, including from seven representatives from the state Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Hajiji is GRS chairman, the co-ruling alliance in Sabah, with Barisan Nasional.
Following the ouster of Bersatu from GRS, the alliance now comprises PBS, Sabah Star, SAPP, Usno, and direct members who were Bersatu members previously.
Hajiji is one of the direct GRS members.
Meanwhile, Sabah PH chairman Datuk Christina Liew, who was also present at the event, reiterated PH’s support for both the federal unity government and state GRS-BN government.
Speaking to The Vibes last week, Liew had expressed hope for the state government to model the federal unity government, but maintained PH will continue to be a force of check and balance for the GRS-BN administration.
GRS and Barisan Nasional are the ruling coalitions in Sabah and currently hold 47 of the 73 seats in the state assembly. – The Vibes, January 5, 2022