Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) should have honored the agreement with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in forming the State Government, said Bersatu Secretary General Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor was appointed to the position with the support of Bersatu Sabah with a certain understanding that some portfolios would go to BN assemblymen from Umno especially.
“They are not supposed to do this (coup). Whether I support Hajiji or not, that is not the question.
“How can Umno create problems for Sabah when the issue is internal between Hajiji and Bersatu? Learn to differentiate rivalries between siblings and neighbours,” he told a press conference at a hotel, here, Sunday.
He disclosed that he has met with former Sabah Bersatu assemblymen whose hearts are still with Bersatu but had chosen to follow Hajiji to help him retain the Chief Minister position.
“Principles are important for the people of Sabah. What Sabah Umno is doing is undoing the State.
“When its Sabah Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar announced to retract support, the people should see that the party is one that does not honour their promises, therefore it is impossible to believe a word they say.
“Unlike Bersatu. We actually do what we say. When Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was Prime Minister, he did not blab about the Malaysia Agreement but instead established a special Ministry to oversee its implementation which was the first in history. We did it for the rakyat,” he added.
However, Hamzah was firm that GRS was the one that sacked Bersatu and although they (GRS) may not have a single assemblyman, it has strong grassroots support all over Sabah.
“Bersatu or Perikatan Nasional (PN) has not been ‘buried’ in Sabah like many are saying. SAPP is still with PN and there is one PAS assemblyman.
“The question is are they (GRS) willing to make a comeback? Do you want to support Bersatu or not,” he asked.
Meanwhile, Hamzah said they are still waiting for a response from the Registry of Societies on the validity of Hajiji’s appointment as Sabah CM.
Bersatu is also waiting for another letter from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker pertaining to four former Bersatu MPs who left after contesting the recent general elections on the party’s ticket.
The reply is expected to be received in 21 days since the query date on 27 Dec. 2022.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.