PAS has announced that its Karambunai assemblyman, Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan, is extending his support to the leadership of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The announcement by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man contradicts an earlier statement by Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had said that the Karambunai assemblyman would not join the Sabah government.
“There is no issue, as the Karambunai state seat was won by Pas,” he said during a press conference at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
Tuan Ibrahim said the decision to support Hajiji’s leadership was made through discussions, negotiations and feedback from Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, as well as during previous PN meetings.
He added that although the party was not involved in the formation of the newly-announced Sabah cabinet or the appointment of its ministers, Pas nonetheless supports Hajiji’s leadership.
“With this announcement, I am confident that the good relationship between Aliakbar and Hajiji will enable him to carry out his duties and responsibilities as the elected assemblyman for Karambunai.
“I am also officially stating the party’s position, which has also been conveyed by Aliakbar himself, and we hope this move will strengthen the Sabah government in terms of support for Hajiji’s leadership.
“God willing, we are confident in the chief minister’s experience in administering the state previously,” he said.
Yesterday, Muhyiddin reiterated that the Karambunai assemblyman from Pas would not join the Sabah government, saying the matter was clear based on information presented at a recent party meeting.
