Kota Kinabalu: The new Sabah Cabinet line-up does not reflect the Unity Government that was recommended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Parti Warisan (Warisan) President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Shafie likened Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor as turning his back on Anwar’s recommendation and a violation of the agreement that was reached earlier this week. He said Warisan on Monday had pledged its full support to the Prime Minister for a Unity Government to be formed in Sabah.
“This recommendation also received the agreement and support of Umno and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyrakat who were also present during the meeting.
“The swift establishment of a special committee was also set to lay out the details related to the Sabah Unity Government leadership which aims to resolve the political crisis in the State,” said Shafie in a statement, Thursday.
Hajiji’s reshuffled line-up only includes elected representatives from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional/Umno.
“The swearing-in ceremony of the new Sabah Cabinet Ministers took place even though it did not reflect a Unity Government,” said Shafie.
Shafie stressed the importance of a true Unity Government comprising all parties that participate in the Government at the federal level, as this can overcome the political crisis in Sabah and strengthen the country’s governance.
Meanwhile, Warisan Supreme Council member Assafal Alian said there is an urgent need for the State Government to table the anti-hopping bill to ensure stability, especially in view of the political turmoil in Sabah.
He pointed out that even though Hajiji had vowed for it to be tabled last year, it is still not implemented despite it already being passed in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Tungku Assemblyman said the Federal Government had requested state governments to adopt the anti-hopping law that disallows elected representatives to jump to other parties.
“After looking at what has happened recently, as well as the political upheaval of the Sabah Government since the formation of Malaysia, I urge that the Sabah Government immediately table the anti-hopping bill.
“This step is in line with what has been done at the Federal level as well as some other states in Malaysia which aims to restore trust in our country’s democracy and political system.
“If this bill is tabled and passed in the Sabah State Assembly, it will lead to political stability and continued development of the State at least for a clear period of time,” he said in a statement.
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