Embattled Cm Meets Sabah Harapan Leaders Seeks Support

---

Embattled Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who is facing intense pressure to step down following an alleged corruption scandal, met with Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders last night to seek their support.
Sources told Malaysiakini that during a meeting over dinner, Hajiji explained the issue and reiterated his firm stance on protecting Sabah’s resources.
The sources also revealed that the chief minister hoped Harapan would allow the MACC to investigate the matter thoroughly before deciding whether to continue cooperating with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
According to the sources, Sabah Harapan leaders only listened to the chief minister’s explanation and no discussions on positions were made.
Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe confirmed the dinner but declined to reveal the contents of the meeting.
However, he said Hajiji had stated repeatedly in the past that GRS should continue cooperating with Harapan despite some GRS members having different views.
Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe“On one hand, Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, the party led by the chief minister, has repeatedly emphasised the desire to cooperate with Harapan.
“On the other hand, SAPP and Star want GRS to contest all 73 seats.
“Despite these two differing stances, we respect them, just as Sabah DAP’s recent position on reviewing its standing in the state government should be respected.
“These matters require careful consideration and communication with coalition partners to seek consensus,” said Phoong, who is also a state minister in Hajiji’s government.
Sabah Harapan to meet on Tuesday
Phoong also confirmed that Sabah Harapan will hold a meeting on Dec 17.
He said regardless of the confusing situation, DAP’s considerations remain clear, which is to ensure the final decision benefits the people and Sabah.
“We need time to evaluate the evolving situation. In the meantime, we must continue to demonstrate within the government that DAP is a fresh, capable, and progressive force bringing change to Sabah.”
Earlier today, SAPP president Yong Teck Lee disclosed that they advised the GRS coalition’s supreme council to contest all 73 seats in the upcoming state polls.
He said Harapan and BN have strengthened their ties, without taking into account GRS’ goodwill towards Harapan.
The Sabah state legislative assembly must be dissolved by Oct 9 next year, which means the state election must be held by Dec 9.
Currently, GRS and BN are vying for cooperation with Harapan in the election.
Corruption scandal
GRS comprises eight parties including Hajiji’s Gagasan, SAPP, Star, PBS, Usno, LDP, PHRS, and PCS.
On Dec 3, a whistleblower released video recordings implicating several assemblypersons in alleged corruption.
The whistleblower claimed the videos document discussions about alleged bribes given to politicians to secure support for a mining exploration licence.
A day later, Hajiji dismissed the allegations as attempts to destabilise the state government and tarnish its reputation. - Mkini

---