KOTA KINABALU: After firmly opposing Barisan Nasional being part of the Sabah government, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblymen and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah wings have now accepted it and pledged their full support for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership.
Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya said Hajiji has continued to set aside his pride for the sake of stability.
"I can’t pretend... to understand how he has endured so much pain and hostility in this political landscape.
"Who are we to define him? We stand in solidarity with Hajiji and his government.
"Here’s to a more stable Sabah," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Dec 2).
On Monday (Dec 1), Jasnih voiced strong opposition to Barisan’s inclusion in the state government.
The Gagasan Rakyat Wanita and Youth wings also pledged support for Hajiji after being strongly opposed to Barisan previously.
Hajiji is the president of Gagasan Rakyat, a component of the GRS coalition of which he is also chairman.
"This (inclusion of Barisan) reflects confidence in the maturity, integrity and vision of the Chief Minister to ensure political stability, a prosperous economy, and continuity in developing the state," Gagasan Rakyat's Youth wing said in a statement.
Wanita Gagasan Rakyat, meanwhile, said Hajiji has proven that he can bring political stability to Sabah and ensure its continued prosperity.
In congratulating the new Sabah Cabinet line-up, it urged them to give their immediate attention to resolving legacy issues.
"The government must be firm in fighting for state rights in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)," it said.
Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the GRS-led administration, which is supported by Upko, among others, should be allowed to stabilise the state’s political landscape.
"Only then can we continue the state’s development alongside uplifting the people.
"We place full trust in the wisdom of the Chief Minister and GRS leadership to ensure that the coalition, together with local parties, will remain dominant in the state’s administration and continue fighting for state rights," he said.
On Monday (Dec 1), there was growing uneasiness among GRS assemblymen and Gagasan Rakyat wings who made known their opposition towards Barisan being part of the government.
At least a dozen of its assemblymen were also seen meeting at a hotel’s coffee house while several others openly posted their objections on social media.
This comes after Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam confirmed that Barisan would be part of the Sabah state government.
Sabah Umno’s Datuk Jafry Arifin was also appointed as a Cabinet minister and given the Tourism, Culture and Environment portfolio.
