KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim used Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s 3am swearing-in as Sabah Chief Minister following the Nov 29 state election as an example to urge elected representatives to immediately start fulfilling their promises and duties to the people.
He said now that the polls are over, everyone has to accept the results, listen to the voices on the ground with maturity and address concerns.
“Just like the P. Ramlee song ‘Pukul Tiga Pagi’, Hajiji went to swear in as the new chief minister at 3am. That is ok, we take it in good faith and in good stride,” said Anwar during his speech at the Sentuhan Madani programme here, on Saturday (Dec 6)
The PM said it is every elected representative’s duty now to work together as a team, regardless of their political differences, for the betterment of the state.
He also called upon the opposition, namely Parti Warisan led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, to come together with government representatives to exchange views and ideas on how to make Sabah grow better.
“It is better for us to use our power for the rakyat, strengthen relations and work hard on what we have promised to the people,” he said.
Before starting his speech, Anwar took time to offer prayers to the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who passed away at 1.46am, Friday (Dec 5), due to lung infection and kidney failure.
He also prayed for the well-being of Bung Moktar’s family left behind, wishing for strength for the family in these difficult times.
After the event, he visited Bung Moktar’s bereaved family to offer support and condolences.
Earlier, Hajiji, in his speech, reaffirmed the state’s stand to continue giving support to the federal government helmed by Anwar.
“We believe close relations between the state and federal governments are important to ensure development, security and other matters.
“I am confident that with good state and federal relations, we can have many more benefits, such as obligations on the 40% net revenue that we hope can be finalised within the shortest time frame for the betterment of all,” he said.
Hajiji said that with the formation of the new state government, the new leaders must work hard to bring Sabah to another level for the prosperity and development of all.
