BUNG MOKTAR DROPPED FROM HAJIJI’S CABINET
Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Shahelmey appointed new DCM and works minister
SABAH Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor flexed his muscles yesterday following a failed coup attempt to oust him, axing state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin from the deputy chief minister’s post.
Bung Moktar was replaced by Datuk Seri Shahelmey Yahya, also from Umno, who now faces his party’s wrath for taking up the post.
Shahelmey, who is Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, was also given the works minister portfolio previously held by his party chief.
Hajiji also dropped Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Datuk Yakub Khan from Umno, as they were seen to be part of those who had plotted against him.
Jafry was replaced by Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Datuk Christina Liew, and Yakub by former Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif.
Hajiji also broke tradition when he appointed Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun as finance minister instead of assuming the post himself.
Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam remain in the cabinet.
The swearing-in of the new cabinet ministers yesterday immediately triggered a wave of protests from the state Umno leadership, as the party had wanted Hajiji to hold off any change in his administration just yet.
Umno had also pressed for Hajiji’s new cabinet to reflect on the unity government formula, as was suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he discussed the Sabah political crisis with the chief minister recently.
The proposal was made following a political impasse that stemmed from Bung Moktar’s decision to withdraw Barisan Nasional’s support from the GRS-BN pact that administered the state.
Bung Moktar said the new cabinet was not the unity government that the party wanted.
He said Shahelmey and Datuk James Ratib (who has been appointed as community development and people’s wellbeing minister) did not represent the party and were not recognised by Sabah Umno as its representatives in the state government.
Bung Moktar said the state Umno did not propose the two assemblymen to be appointed as members of the Hajiji-led cabinet.
“Umno has consistently refused to cooperate with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Hajiji cannot claim to appoint them to represent Umno/Barisan Nasional (BN) unless they are appointed in a personal capacity.
“The party will review the actions of those who have cheated Umno...this will be discussed with the party president.”
Bung Moktar also described the appointment as going against the advice and recommendations of the prime minister regarding the establishment of a unity government in Sabah.
He said Sabah’s political turmoil had not ended with the appointment of new cabinet members.
“The game is still on,” he said, repeating his previous statement when Hajiji explained that he had majority support with 44 assemblymen in his favour.
Bung Moktar added that Sabah Umno was also ready to be an effective opposition in the State Legislative Assembly following the political situation.