Give Hajiji a chance to be CM, Azmin tells Sabahans

(FMT) – Perikatan Nasional (PN) information chief Mohamed Azmin Ali says Sabah PPBM chief Hajiji Noor should be given the chance to become the state’s chief minister if the coalition and party manage to win the election.

He said Hajiji deserved the shot to lead the state, describing his PPBM colleague as a “strong and clean” candidate.

“The matter has been announced publicly by the prime minister. For PN, Hajiji is a candidate who deserves to guarantee the future of Sabah and the people. They (the people) must know this,” he said when met by reporters at a PN event here today.

Earlier, in his speech at the event, Azmin said Sabahans needed a leader of prominence, adding that Hajiji was the man for the job.

“I endorse him as chief minister. It’s not my view alone but he has the personality, character and knowledge, and Sabahans need such a figure,” Azmin said.

He also urged Warisan president Shafie Apdal to quit playing with anti-peninsula sentiments as it would disrupt the country’s harmony, referring to Warisan’s “Sabah for Sabahans” tagline.

“Until now he says, ‘Sabah for Sabahans’, who are you? Sabah is also a part of (Malaysia) and I also have the responsibility of listening to the voice of Sabahans.

“The name of the party is Warisan (heritage) but they can’t leave a good heritage for Sabah. Why don’t they cooperate (with Putrajaya)? If there’s no Sabah and Sarawak, there’s no Malaysia,” he said.

When asked to comment on being chased away by Warisan supporters while campaigning in Membakut, Azmin said that was an example of how the party led by Shafie had disrupted the harmony by playing with anti-peninsula sentiments.

“I tried to garner the support of Warisan supporters but there was a youth who played up anti-peninsula sentiments. But I responded with a smile as I didn’t want to provoke anyone. In fact, some of them came and apologised to me (over the incident).

“I just hope Shafie doesn’t fan the flames that can divide the unity of Malaysians in this election. This (election) is a part of democracy but we cannot use this stage to harp on issues that can lead to schism between the federal government and Sabah.”