Sabah, S’wak leaderships show support for Dr M
PUTRAJAYA: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed their support for Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
They announced this during a gathering with Dr Mahathir at Seri Perdana which was also attended by other leaders from Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking to Bernama after the event, Mohd Shafie expressed the Sabah government’s commitment in fostering close ties with the federal government for the sake of national development.
“It is important that we look at Sabah and Sarawak from the perspective of national development.
“We want to tell (Prime Minister) that we are supportive of him as the leader of our country to allow for national development,” Mohd Shafie said.
Asked whether there was any discussion on representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the federal cabinet, he said the matter was not brought up and that he was leaving the matter to the prime minister to decide.
Mohd Shafie said he had previously spoken about the importance of Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in the Cabinet.
“It is his (the Prime Minister’s) prerogative as what is important to us is participation.
“We know that it is a struggle (for a cause) that the Prime Minister is aware of and understands,” he added.
Dr Mahathir has reportedly submitted a list of 15 additional Cabinet ministers to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, making it a total of 28 ministers.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Prime Minister’s willingness to invite him and Mohd Shafie to the event would foster closer cooperation and ties with the federal government and have a positive effect on the nation. - Bernama