Join hands to champion rakyat’s welfare, Zahid tells leaders

KOTA KINABALU: Both the federal and state governments have to work together to safeguard the people’s interests, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president said leaders should set aside political egos and personal gains to focus on bringing much needed basic infrastructure and development to Sabah.

“Both the state and federal governments must not look back, what happened, happened. The problems will always be there, whether big or small.

“There’s no point pointing fingers. True leadership entails being able to solve issues without offending anyone,” he said, noting Umno’s recognition of Sabah’s unique multiethnic political landscape since the party’s entry into the state 34 years ago.

He said this during the launching of the Tuaran Umno division meeting led by Sabah Umno deputy chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan on Saturday (June 22).

Sabah Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor also made a surprise appearance at the event amid the fallout between him and Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin in January 2022.

Ahmad Zahid welcomed Hajiji, referring to him as a “good friend,” which led to a standing ovation from the audience.

Others present were Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Christina Liew and Sabah PKR chief Datuk Seri Mustapha Sakmud.

In January last year, Bung Moktar announced that Sabah Barisan had pulled out from the GRS-Barisan state government, claiming GRS had reneged on its pledges to his party.

Ahmad Zahid said there were several quarters who advised him against attending the event, calling it “risky“.

“However, I told them that irrespective of who attends, they are my friends. Your friend is my friend, but your enemy may not be my enemy.

“Politics is dynamic. Sometimes enemies become friends. Whatever it is, we must not punish the people as they have given us their trust to fulfil our duties. That is important,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid said that the Madani government remains committed to fulfilling its promises, particularly those related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).