Gathering of reps at Sabah Chief Minister's residence nothing to do with political impasse, says Masidi

Photo: Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: A gathering of assemblymen at the Chief Minister’s official residence on Monday (Jan 9) has nothing to do with the current political impasse in Sabah, says Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic).

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general said they were only there to discuss Tuesday’s (Jan 10) special sitting, and to coordinate on who would give speeches.

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This special sitting in the state assembly is meant to approve and gazette the state Bills for gas supply as the Energy Commission of Sabah will take over all regulatory power for onshore gas supply in Sabah with immediate effect.

This will include regasification, transmission, distribution as well as the use of gas by private licensees and gas retail.

“Today we have decided to take a break from politics. Sometimes, we need to focus on our work as assemblymen and to serve the people,” said Masidi.

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The Karanaan assemblyman said there was also no mention of a possible state Cabinet reshuffle.

He said if and when there are changes, an announcement would be made.

To a question on whether the scheduled special sitting could convene smoothly with what was happening in Sabah's politics currently, Masidi said he hopes all assemblymen would act in a mature way and fulfil their duties as representatives of the people.

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Asked if anything was expected with the meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim later tonight, he said that “nothing” is anticipated.

“We have no expectations whatsoever when the PM comes later. We respect and thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to come to Sabah to meet us,” he said.

Anwar is expected to arrive in Sabah from Jakarta at around 9.30pm, and will later meet Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.