PAS pledges progress for Sabah ahead of state polls

Summary

• PAS reiterates commitment to defend rights and interests of Sabahans should it be given the mandate in the Sabah polls.

• PN chair Muhyiddin Yassin says he is not opposed to the idea of a Borneo bloc to give Sabahans and Sarawakians a stronger voice.

PAS has reiterated its commitment to defend the rights and interests of Sabahans should the party be given a mandate in the upcoming 17th state election.

Its secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said PAS has consistently raised Sabah-related issues, including the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), rural development, and poverty alleviation.

“PAS was previously part of the federal government, and during that time, I personally, as the law minister, played a key role in the MA63 negotiations with (then-Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister) Maximus Ongkili.

“We achieved a lot of progress through close cooperation between the federal and state governments. Although we are no longer in power, this struggle will not stop,” he said.

Takiyuddin, who is also the Perikatan Nasional deputy secretary-general, said this during the Jelajah Rakyat programme in Tawau last night.

He stressed that PAS holds to the principle that Islam offers comprehensive solutions to various challenges, including governance, social justice, and societal harmony.

“Islam guarantees justice for all, regardless of race or religion. This principle is at the core of PAS’ struggle.

“We believe the people of Sabah can accept this inclusive and unifying approach,” said the Kota Bharu MP.

He added that PAS respects the multiracial and multireligious composition of Sabah and will engage with the public through a harmonious and holistic approach.

“Sabah is the best example of unity among people of diverse backgrounds. We will approach the people with a message of Islam that is just, open, and focused on the welfare of all,” he said.

Stronger voice

At the same event, former prime minister and Perikatan Nasional coalition leader Muhyiddin Yassin, also said that he was not opposed to the idea of a Borneo bloc being formed to give Sabahanans and Sarawakians a stronger voice in the federal government.

According to The Star, Muhyiddin denied allegations that Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor had previously left the PN coalition due to his opposing the idea of a Borneo bloc.

“Since when did I say that I did not support this Borneo bloc? I myself do not know who is in the bloc,” said Muhyiddin during his speech.

The Pagoh MP also told reporters that they plan to work with strong electoral partners for the upcoming state election, but declined to reveal if any meetings have been held with local Sabah leaders, including those from Warisan.

“Our candidates will be capable individuals. Our logo will remain the same,” he said, emphasising the need to work with reliable partners to form the state and federal governments.

Last week, Hajiji confirmed the eight-party Gabungan Rakyat Sabah pact will officially maintain its electoral partnership with Pakatan Harapan, but has yet to formalise a three-way alliance that also includes BN.

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