KDM in support of Hajiji, GRS to helm Sabah govt

Anthony (third from left) handing over KDM’s letter of support to Anwar at the latter’s office in Putrajaya on Friday (Nov 25).

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) has voiced its support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to continue ruling the state.

This was conveyed by KDM deputy president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, who quit GRS last month so that he could contest the Kota Marudu seat, in a statement on Saturday (Nov 26).

Wetrom, formerly with the Sabah chapter of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and an assistant minister in Hajiji’s state Cabinet, said KDM’s backing was in line with the stand taken by the Chief Minister and GRS to support the Pakatan Harapan-led unity government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Kota Marudu MP said Anwar had confirmed GRS' support for the latter’s administration on Friday (Nov 25).

"During a special meeting between KDM led by its president Datuk Peter Anthony and Anwar on Friday, the Prime Minister had stated his support for Hajiji to remain leading and administer Sabah, in tandem with GRS’ support of the unity government.

"Hence, KDM and its assemblymen will support Hajiji and GRS to continue leading the state government.

"The 15th General Election (GE15) has just concluded and we do not wish for too much politicking because now is the time for the unity government led by Anwar which was also supported by Barisan Nasional, GRS, KDM and other parties to work together to develop the country, Sabah and the people," said Wetrom, who is also the Bandau assemblyman.

Besides Bandau, KDM also holds two other state seats namely Melalap through Anthony and Limbahau through Datuk Juil Nuatim.

Wetrom wrested the northern Kota Marudu seat from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili in GE15 in a six-cornered fight which saw the former winning by a majority of over 8,000 votes.

KDM, which has three MPs, had officially joined the unity government, with Anthony handing over his party's letter of support to Anwar at the latter’s office in Putrajaya on Friday.

Wetrom’s younger brother, Datuk Verdon won the Kudat seat as an independent while another independent Riduan Rubin won the Tenom seat.

All three were with Anthony to show their support for the unity government after initially throwing their support for Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.