Sabah BN withdraws support for Hajiji
The matter was announced by Sabah BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin...
Sabah BN and Umno have rescinded their support for Hajiji Noor as the state’s chief minister, citing a breach of trust.
The matter was announced by Sabah BN chairperson Bung Moktar Radin at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu tonight, following an Umno meeting.
He accused Hajiji of breaching an understanding whereby the coalition would support Hajiji’s leadership in exchange for positions in the cabinet and government-linked companies.
“This is clear, where Hajiji has violated the mutual understanding today by issuing a termination letter to Salleh Said Keruak as (Qhazanah Sabah) chairperson. Hajiji has also threatened us with a cabinet reshuffle without prior discussion or negotiation.
“With that, our decision is unanimous. Umno and BN withdraw support from Hajiji as chief minister of Sabah,” he said, based on a video recording of the press conference.
Umno/BN holds a total of 17 seats in the 79-member Sabah assembly. At least 40 seats are needed to achieve a simple majority in the house.
Hajiji’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) holds 29 seats in the assembly. His government also has support in the form of confidence and supply agreements (CSA) from 14 assemblypersons from various parties, including seven from Pakatan Harapan.
Warisan, the sole opposition party in the state prior to Umno’s departure, has 19 assemblypersons.
Bung said there are five Umno assemblypersons who disagreed with the decision to rescind support from Hajiji.
Dissent within Sabah Umno
“But for me, it doesn’t matter. For me, it’s a party decision.
“The party’s decision is final and we will take any necessary action including disciplinary action against any Umno assemblyperson who doesn’t support the party decision.”
Asked whether BN would work with Warisan next, Bung said that BN can “work with anybody, any party, as long as they are sincere”.
Bung also claimed to have spoken to lawyers, who opined that Hajiji no longer has locus standi to be chief minister since his exit from Bersatu last month to become a direct member of GRS.
“GRS is a grand coalition between PBS, Star, Bersatu, Usno and SAPP. That means Hajiji has cheated the Registrar of Societies by claiming to be a GRS member.
“Because of these lies, we ask the Sabah governor to review and take serious consideration regarding the appointment of the Sabah chief minister,” he stated.
