Sabah, Sarawak leaders pledge support for Dr Mahathir
Invitation to meet will boost cooperation, say chief ministers
THE leaderships of the Sabah and Sarawak governments yesterday expressed their support for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the nation’s leader to further develop the country.
They expressed their support at a get-together with Dr Mahathir at Seri Perdana here.
Present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg and senior leaders from both states.
Shafie, when met by Bernama after the event, said the Sabah government was committed to strengthening its bond with the Federal Government for overall development.
“This matters because Sabah and Sarawak are states that we need to look at from the perspective of the formation of the country. We want (the prime minister to know) that we support him as our national leader so that our country can develop.”
On whether the issue of representatives from the two states in the federal cabinet was discussed, Shafie said the matter was not raised, adding that it was up to the prime minister to decide.
He said he had already stressed the importance of having Sabah and Sarawak representatives in the federal cabinet.
“That is his absolute discretion (the prime minister on cabinet representation). What matters to us is participation. We know this is a struggle that the prime minister is aware of and understands.”
Abang Johari, in echoing Shafie’s remarks, said Dr Mahathir’s readiness to invite the leaders of Sabah and Sarawak would strengthen cooperation and ties between the states and the Federal Government.
This, he said, would have a good impact on the country.
“No issues were discussed, just mingling in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri atmosphere. The cabinet (line-up) was not discussed, we only talked about good food.”