KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah's move to accept the entry of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia into the state shows maturity, says former Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hajiji Mohd Noor (pic).
The Sulaman assemblyman, who led Sabah Umno's exodus to pave the way for Bersatu to venture into Sabah on Dec 12, thanked Warisan president Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal for accepting Bersatu's Sabah move.
"It shows Shafie is a mature and experienced leader who aspires to see the people of Sabah united, regardless of their race," Hajiji said on Tuesday (Feb 19).
He added that the good relationship and strong collaboration between the state and federal governments was crucial for the interest, betterment and wellbeing of the people of Sabah.
"Strong ties between the state and federal governments will enable a more effective continuity of development," said Hajiji, who is currently in Mecca with his family and is expected back on Feb 23.
Three days after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's announcement that Bersatu will come to Sabah, Mohd Shafie said on Monday (Feb 18) that they could not stop any party from coming to Sabah as it was provided for by the law.
However, he fell short of welcoming its ally to the state.
Mohd Shafie said the Warisan-led government would continue to work with Pakatan Harapan to carry out the mandate of the people.
He also said that Warisan had worked with Pakatan before, and after the elections, they formed the federal government together. He added that Warisan would continue to work with them, for the best interests of the people and to deliver what had been promised.
"I would like to thank Shafie for welcoming Bersatu's entry into Sabah. This shows he is a leader with a big heart.
"Together with my other colleagues, we will continue to give our cooperation to the state government, especially on policies meant for the betterment and future of the people and the state," said Hajiji.