KUCHING: The Sabah and Sarawak state governments are looking at strengthening ties and finding new areas of cooperation.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Sarawak counterpart Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg met here Monday (Jan 31) to discuss areas of mutual interest for cooperation between the two regional Borneo partners in the Malaysian federation.
Hajiji, on his first visit to Sarawak as Sabah Chief Minister, was accompanied by his three deputy chief ministers at the meeting, aimed at strengthening the states' close ties.
According to a statement from Hajiji's media officer in Kota Kinabalu, the visit also aimed to explore new areas of cooperation.
"Sabah and Sarawak have many similarities in terms of culture, history and struggles. Hence, there is much synergy to harness for our common good," Hajiji said.
"As members of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Special Council chaired by the Prime Minister, we have worked together to push for the momentous passing of the Federal Constitution Amendment 2021 relevant to MA63 last year," he said.
At the meeting, Abang Johari shared his views on several matters including state-Federal relations, the need for political stability, Sarawak rights and the common stand Sarawak and Sabah could take in pursuing state rights.
Hajiji said he and Abang Johari were no strangers as they have been friends and colleagues for a long time and served in previous state governments.
Hajji was accompanied by his deputies Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam as well as state assembly Speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
Abang Johari was also accompanied by members of his Cabinet at the meeting.
Hajiji also congratulated Abang Johari and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which won a landslide victory in the December Sarawak state election.
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