The two ministers in Hajiji’s Cabinet don't represent Sabah Umno, says Bung

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno will not recognise the two new appointments involving its assemblymen, including the Deputy Chief Minister’s position, in the new state Cabinet line-up, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

The Sabah Umno chief said the duo, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and Datuk James Ratib, did not represent the party.

Bung Moktar said Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor also undermined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who proposed a Sabah unity government that included all parties in the state.

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“It should be noted that Barisan Nasional was a main contributor to the formation of the Federal Government,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 11).

Bung Moktar, the Lamag assemblyman, said the decision by Shahelmey and James to back Hajiji’s GRS government had undermined Umno.

He added that they were only thinking about their own interests without considering the party's future.

“The appointment of the new state Cabinet involves two Sabah Umno reps (but) they do not represent the party and we will not give any recognition to their appointments.

“Hajiji also cannot say (they represent) Umno in his Cabinet line-up,” he added.

Shahelmey was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister as well as state Works Minister on Wednesday morning, replacing Bung Moktar.

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James, previously an assistant minister, was made a full state minister when he was appointed to the Community Development and People’s Wellbeing portfolio, previously held by Shahelmey.

The duo were among the five Sabah Umno dissidents who went against the state chapter’s move to pull out from the GRS government.

Meanwhile, Bung Moktar said Sabah Umno will refer the matter to the disciplinary board at the national level as their move undermined the party and Barisan Nasional.

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“We will discuss the next course of action with party president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi)," he added.

At the same time, the Kinabatangan MP said it was hoped Hajiji would treat all his Cabinet members fairly and not interfere with how they ran their respective ministries.

He said Sabah Umno was ready to shoulder the responsibilities of being in the Opposition in the state assembly and play its role effectively.