Why retract support from Hajiji when Sabah doing well, Shahelmey asks

Tanjung Keramat state assemblyperson Shahelmey Yahya disagrees with the decision made by Sabah Umno and BN to rescind support for Hajiji Noor as state chief minister.

When met at Kota Kinabalu today, the Umno leader said there was no concrete reason for his party to do so, adding it would bring political unrest in Sabah.

"Yes. I did not attend (the press conference called by Bung (Moktar Radin last night) because I do not support his move.

“I am of the view that this is not the right time for us to destabilise the government or change it,” Shahelmey (above) said.

The Putatan MP said the GRS-BN state administration has done an excellent job in the past two years, particularly in increasing the state revenue to RM6.6 billion in 2022 from below RM5 billion in 2021.

"The state administration has attracted a total of RM33 billion in foreign direct investment.

"So, why do we want a change of government without any concrete reason as that would give a perception that the politics in Sabah is just not stable? This will rattle the confidence of foreign investors.

"This is not the time to play politics. Now is the time to work and develop the economy and build the country.

"So, I do not agree (with Bung's move). That's why I did not attend (the press conference last night)," Shahelmey stated.

At a press conference last night, Sabah Umno and BN announced that they would cease supporting Hajiji as the state’s chief minister, citing breach of trust.

Bung 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.

Shahelmey was among the five Umno state assemblypersons who did not attend the presser as they disagreed with party's decision.

Bung also said he would take any necessary action, including disciplinary action, against any representatives who don’t support the party’s decision.

When asked about this, Shahelmey said he was ready to face any consequence.

"This is the party's rights. I am ready," he said.

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.

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