Former Sabah chef minister Salleh Said Keruak said a stable government would be able to focus on the economy, infrastructure, jobs, and the welfare of Sabahans. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Sabah Barisan Nasional must defend chief minister Hajiji Noor's state government as long as the coalition remains part of the administration, says former chief minister Salleh Said Keruak. The Sabah Umno treasurer said BN cannot act as if it were in the opposition while also holding positions in the state government.
“When we are together in government, we must also stand together in defending the government and ensuring that it remains stable, effective, and continues to enjoy the confidence of the people,” he said in opening Kota Kinabalu Umno's annual general meeting today. He said a stable government would be able focus on the economy, infrastructure, jobs, and the welfare of Sabahans. Salleh also called for closer cooperation between BN and Hajiji’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), saying both coalitions should put aside their differences and focus on Sabah’s interests.
“Our priority must remain the stability of the government, the interests of Sabah, and the well-being of the people," he said. BN backed Hajiji to form the state government after the Sabah polls in November despite the two coalitions having been rivals during the state election. While they used to be allies in previous years, their relationship was strained in January 2023 when Sabah BN withdrew its support for Hajiji in an unsuccessful attempt to remove him as chief minister.
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