Leaders: Victory proof of people’s trust

Important decision: A woman about to cast her ballot at a polling station during the state election on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu. — AP

PETALING JAYA: Sabahans have chosen a caring state government that is inclusive, and one that will guarantee the sovereignty and safety of the people, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

“The results of the Sabah state election showed the maturity of the people of Sabah in upholding the spirit of federalism for the prosperity and the well-being of the people.

“It also proves the people’s trust in the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister, and the cooperation between Perikatan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), ” he said in a statement yesterday. He gave an assurance that Perikatan would carry out its mandate to bring development and to uplift the economy post-Covid-19.

“In line with the Shared Prosperity Vision, Sabah will enjoy inclusive, fair and quality development, ” he said.

Deputy Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also deputy Umno president, hoped everyone would respect the results in order to ensure stability.

“To those who have won, it’s time to start work. Do not procrastinate anymore and discharge your responsibilities as an elected representatives well.

“To those who lost, may we continue to celebrate the spirit of democracy, ” he said.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also deputy Rembau Umno chief, said the GRS way of cooperation should be made the model for better collaboration at the national level between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan, especially in facing the 15th General Election.

“The people of Sabah have spoken. To the winners, discuss carefully the selection of the Chief Minister. To those who lost, accept the results, ” he said.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang reminded the winners to discharge their responsibilities for the good of religion, race and country, adding that PAS would continue to jointly strengthen unity and safeguard the people’s welfare.

“Congratulations to GRS. To the voters, thank you for the trust given, ” he said on Facebook.

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes the results would augur well for political stability in Sabah so that the state would continue to prosper.

“What is important is that we have a stable political situation so that we can continue to fulfil the trust placed in us. I wish to congratulate the people of Sabah, ” he said.

Asked if the GRS victory would further facilitate efforts by Sarawak and Sabah to restore the rights of the two states under the Malaysia Act 1963, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman said talks were ongoing.“When the time comes, we’ll negotiate whatever outstanding issues there are, ” he said.

Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and his Pahang counterpart, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, described the victory as a manifestation of the people’s confidence in Perikatan to administer at the federal level.

“The mandate is a huge responsibility for GRS leaders in their efforts to restore the state and bring sustainable development for the people, ” they said.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob and his Kedah counterpart, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, said the win showed the confidence of Sabahans in GRS, while Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said the victory proved the people wanted GRS to form the state government.

On Saturday, the Election Commission announced that GRS, comprising Perikatan, Barisan and Parti Bersatu Sabah, won 38 ofthe 73 state seats, while Warisan Plus (consisting of Warisan,

DAP, Amanah, Upko and PKR) obtained 32 seats, with the remaining three seats won by independents. — Bernama