PM: Nomination a sign of cooperation between GRS parties

The nomination of Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor as Sabah’s new Chief Minister shows that there is close cooperation between the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) parties, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president, thanked the leadership and all the assemblymen from Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) for agreeing to nominate Hajiji.

“This agreement shows the close cooperation of the parties under GRS throughout the recent Sabah election, which received the support of the people.

“I extremely appreciate the camaraderie shown by the parties in this coalition for the sake of the interest and future of Sabahans.

“I also pray that Sabah will continue to become a peaceful and prosperous state,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page yesterday.

Hajiji, who has been Sulaman assemblyman for eight terms, is scheduled to be sworn in at the Istana Negeri in Kota Kinabalu today.

GRS parties agreed to name him as Sabah’s new chief minister after a two-day discussion following the conclusion of the state polls on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Barisan respects the decision of Sabah Umno to nominate Hajiji.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he respected the decision on the basis of the spirit of autonomy of Sabah Umno, which has already been agreed upon.

He said he was informed by Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that the decision was reached to ensure the interests of the people of Sabah could be fought for immediately.

“I was informed by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that, after negotiations among the winning GRS assemblymen in the state election, that they finally agreed to nominate Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor,” he said in a statement.

He expressed hope that the new Sabah government could immediately focus on various agendas to safeguard the interests of Sabahans as stated in GRS’ promises.

Previously, Ahmad Zahid insisted the post of Sabah chief minister should come from Umno as the party secured the largest number of state seats, more than any other in the GRS alliance.

GRS is a coalition of Perikatan Nasional, Barisan and PBS.

Perikatan includes Bersatu, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).

In the Sabah state election held on Saturday, Barisan won 14 seats, Bersatu (11), STAR (six) and PBS (seven).