Federal Govt respects clear message sent by voters, says Anwar
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) congratulated Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for receiving the new mandate to form the state government.
He said the Federal Government respects the clear message sent by the voters in this election, which demanded change after facing injustice and neglect from various parties in the past.
In this regard, the Prime Minister said the government would continue its work to champion the demands and rights of the people of Sabah, building on the achievements of the last three years.
“Over the past three years, we have worked to resolve every inherited issue, including those concerning claims and rights that affect Sabah’s interests.
“Within this short period, several tangible advancements have been made regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Bernama reported.
He added that the government would remain steadfast on the path of reform to ensure Sabah becomes a prosperous and just state, and is no longer marginalised.
“The voice of the people of Sabah is a trust that we must uphold with the highest sense of responsibility,” he added.
Hajiji, who is Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, took his oath of office for his second term as Sabah Chief Minister before Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman yesterday morning at Istana Seri Kinabalu here.
At the 17th Sabah State Election, GRS secured 29 seats, with its closest challenger, Parti Warisan, obtaining 25.
Barisan Nasional won six seats, followed by Upko (three) and STAR (two).
The state polls also saw independent candidates securing five seats.
Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat each won one seat.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also called on all Sabahans to maintain peace, unity and respect for the democratic process currently taking place.
“Sabah’s journey forward requires the commitment of all parties, and Barisan Nasional will continue to play a constructive role to ensure the state progresses towards development and prosperity,” he said in a statement.
The Barisan chairman also expressed his utmost appreciation to all voters who had placed their trust in its candidates.
He said Barisan respected and accepted the outcome of the state polls, which saw a total of 596 candidates contesting as a manifestation of the vibrancy of democracy in the state.
