LEADERS of political parties in Sabah and Sarawak have pledged not to topple the current federal government following the August 12 six-state elections.
According to UMNO supreme council member Datuk Razlan Rafii, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor made this commitment during the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre yesterday (July 11).
“Last night, we decided that our theme for the upcoming state elections is ‘Unity for stability and prosperity’.
“The Sarawak premier and Sabah chief minister promised there will be no change of government, regardless of the results of the elections.
“Based on the political mathematics of today, a change of government cannot happen based on the commitments made by those two leaders,” Razlan, who is currently the political secretary to UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported as saying by Malaysiakini.
Razlan urged Perikatan Nasional (PN) to stop spreading allegations about a change in federal government in light of the agreements made by Abang Johari and Hajiji.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that preparations by the unity government’s machinery in the six states to face elections next month are at a satisfactory level.
The Tambun MP said parties within the unity government were also confident of retaining three PH states of Selangor, Penang and Negri Sembilan while at the same time, winning over the other three PN led states of Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.
“We are happy with the outcome of tonight’s meeting which focuses on the government’s strengths.
“The states can also use additional slogans and manifestos selected by their leaderships,” Anwar said after attending the Unity Government Leadership Consultative Council meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre yesterday (July 11).
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister added that Putrajaya will not entertain any attempt to shift its focus on strengthening the nation’s economy.
“After the state elections, we will focus on economic growth and the people’s welfare.
“I am proud with the stance of the current leaders in beefing up (the unity government) and ignoring rumours from the desperate people who use religious and racial sentiments.
“What I am saying, representing a majority of parliament members, is that we are standing firm with the efforts to strengthen the unity government until the end of the five-year term,” Anwar said.
During the last state election, PH won 51 out of the possible 56 state assembly seats available in Selangor as BN only managed to win only four seats and PAS only managed to win one.
PH is seeking to retain Selangor for the fourth term running after wrestling the state back from BN during the 2008 state polls. – July 12, 2023
Main pic credit: Utusan Malaysia
