KOTA BELUD: Barisan Nasional (BN) will decide on its allies for the next Sabah state election only after the Sabah State Assembly is dissolved, said BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Umno President, said the party is prepared to collaborate with any like-minded party that gives priority to protecting the wellbeing of the people of Sabah and the country.
“Our political stand is pragmatic and we can enter into cooperation with any party (for Sabah polls). The important thing is the government that is formed must have support from the majority of the people.
“In this matter, the priority is to strengthen the Unity Government, whether at the national or state level. This spirit must prevail,” he told a media conference after the Kadamaian Development Launch held in conjunction with the Kadamaian Christmas Open House, here, Monday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah International Convention Centre’s Big Sabah Sale a big hit Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah International Convention Centre’s (SICC) Big Sabah Sale which concluded on Sunday saw a good response with about 20,000 visitors during the three-day extravaganza. . Read more Also present was Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman.
Ahmad Zahid said there is no political turmoil in Sabah and he is visiting the State to attend Monday’s ceremony.
The meeting with political leaders in Sabah on Sunday night was to streamline work involving BN and Umno’s machinery, especially in preparation for the next Sabah state polls, he said.
“I reject the notion that there is political turmoil in Sabah. We were meeting as part of preparations for the next Sabah state election.
“Although the Sabah state polls may be held as late as the end of next year, it is not wrong to start preparing now.
“No one should speculate that something is brewing in Sabah. We focus on our work first,” he added.
He said Sabah BN and Umno would be given autonomy in facing the state polls, including picking their candidates and prospective Chief Minister candidate, but these decisions should be communicated to the BN Chairman.
Zahid also advised politicians and political leaders in the country against pursuing their political interests at the expanse of the rakyat (people).
He said they should not make the people victims or pay a “high price” for their political pursuits.
He said differences of opinion or beliefs in politics are not a problem in the country, but priority must be given to the interests of the people first.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said, is working hard to ensure the country remains stable to ensure development, economic growth, investment and subsequently the wellbeing of the people.
“Political leaders should keep their promises. After agreeing on something, there should be a consensus on keeping the promises and the agreement should not be made for the interests of their group (alone), which eventually will make the rakyat the political victims.
“Make Sabah an example for us to accept differences in diversity. The cooperation in Sabah should be emulated and strengthened for the prosperity of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid regarded the road infrastructure improvement project in Kadamaian, involving an allocation of RM244 million, as a “game changer” in improving the standard of living of the people in the area.
He also announced the construction of 40 housing units for the Hardcore Poor in the Kadamaian state constituency.
Regarding Ewon’s other requests for the people of Kadamaian.
Ahmad Zahid said he would ensure the allocations would be provided after going through the stipulated procedures.
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