'Harmonious': PM hails Zahid-Hajiji meeting as boost to federal-state ties

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised a recent meeting between his deputy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor as a demonstration of political maturity that will strengthen federal-state cooperation.

In a statement on his Facebook today, Anwar described the encounter between the BN chairperson and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chief as taking place “in a harmonious atmosphere filled with the spirit of togetherness”.

Anwar emphasised that such cooperation between federal and state leaders was crucial for realising the people’s aspirations “comprehensively and inclusively”.

“This meeting reflects political maturity and commitment to strengthening cooperation for the stability of the nation, particularly in the context of relations between the federal government and Sabah state,” Anwar said.

“I believe that political stability is an important foundation in ensuring the success of development agendas and the people’s welfare.

“I hope this spirit of consensus will continue to serve as the foundation for stronger national unity, for the sake of Malaysia’s progressive, just and prosperous future for all,” he added.

Harapan-BN-GRS ‘love triangle’

The meeting today seems to be another attempt by Anwar to bridge deep divisions between the federal government’s key partners, especially with the Sabah state election looming.

During a visit to Sabah earlier this month, Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chief, had alluded to the current “love triangle” and expressed hope to avert electoral clashes between BN and GRS.

The relationship between BN and GRS turned sour after Sabah BN withdrew support for Hajiji’s government in 2023.

At the time, Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin had accused Hajiji of breaching an understanding whereby the coalition would support Hajiji’s leadership in exchange for positions in the state cabinet and government-linked companies.

In an interview with Malaysiakini last week, Sabah Umno information chief Suhaimi Nasir said that mounting pressure for more prosecutions in the Sabah mining licence corruption scandal has prompted a senior state Umno leader to describe GRS as a “liability” in the “love triangle” with Harapan.

Suhaimi maintained BN’s reservations on formal cooperation with GRS while Harapan assumed the matchmaker role in seat negotiations ahead of the 17th state election.

Corruption scandal

Last November, Malaysiakini exposed an alleged mineral licence prospecting corruption scandal based on a series of leaked videos, which to date has seen only two lawmakers charged, alongside businessperson-turned-whistleblower Albert Tei.

Apart from Hajiji, the series of leaked video recordings also exposed alleged dealings involving various state ministers and assemblypersons.

All the GRS leaders whom Tei accused of accepting bribes from him have denied the allegations.

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