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KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) understands the dissatisfaction of Sabahans over the appointment of a representative of the PAS in the state assembly, says its president Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Ongkili (Photo).
“We hear loud and clear the unhappiness of Sabahans, politicians and the public,” he said.
He said that PBS shares his doubts and concerns about setting a precedent whereby a member of a peninsula-based religious party is appointed to be a member of the state assembly without ever having participated in elections.
“As the appointment has since been made, we will assume our role as supervisors and provide a check and balance to ensure that the concerns of the Sabah public are addressed,” Ongkili said in a statement on Thursday (October 8).
He added that while there was no need to set a precedent for the appointment given religious concerns, PBS will help monitor PAS.
“We also look forward to working with the PAS representative who has a good academic background and is a native of Tenom,” he said.
He expressed his confidence that Dr. Aliakbar Gulasan, the nominee assemblyman, will seek to refute the public’s things and misperceptions regarding PAS in Sabah.
Ongkili said that prior to the appointment, PBS raised its concerns on the matter with Perikatan Nasional and was given an explanation.
“I call on the people of Sabah to unite, cooperate and give their full support to the new Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor and his new Cabinet,” he said.
He said that PBS’s desire is nothing less than to see Sabah develop further, greatly prosper and strengthen, fully united under the new government of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Congratulating Hajiji on the appointment of all ministers and assistant ministers, as well as the assembly members nominated for the state legislature, Ongkili said the House is ready to begin the task of legislating for Sabah.
He also thanked Hajiji for giving PBS two cabinet ministers and three assistant ministers in the new government.
“Our team, led by Senior Vice Minister Datuk Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, stands ready to play its role in their respective appointments,” said Ongkili.
“Our members are well trained and experienced and are committed to serving the people of Sabah to the best of their ability and supporting the Chief Minister to fulfill his promise to the rakyat,” he added.
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