Kota Kinabalu: The State Government cannot be considered a Unity Government as it does not follow the Federal Unity Government format, claims Sabah Umno elections director Jeffery Nor Mohamed.
Jeffery said the State Government only comprised two coalitions, namely Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH).
He said other parties in the Federal Unity Government are not in Sabah. He did not name them.
“If there is a member of the State Cabinet who is said to be from Sabah Umno, they were appointed by the Chief Minister without the blessing of Sabah Umno as has been done in the past,” he said in a statement, Friday.
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Jeffery stressed that Sabah Umno has autonomy.
“If Hajiji considers Sabah Umno to be in the State Government, why treat the party like the opposition in Sabah? It is evident from the recent Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) tour programme in Kinabatangan.
“You have to be clear and sincere when you want to be friends,” he said, adding some local community leaders who supported Sabah Umno were relieved.
“Some were offered to join PGRS to retain their posts.”
He further claimed the newly appointed local community leaders are not those who support Sabah Umno.
Jeffery also regretted that several GRS leaders continue to issue hurtful statements against Sabah Umno.
For the record, several Sabah Umno leaders lost their ministerial posts in the State Government when a faction tried to oust Hajiji early this year but failed.
Those who did not support the coup attempt remained as Umno members because the anti-hop law required elected representatives to be sacked by the party first, failing which they can keep their membership.
Umno President Datuk Zahid Hamidi tried to convince the State Government to accept back the Sabah Umno leaders who were sacked, but was rebuffed.
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