Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) president Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin hopes the current political scenario will be resolved soon as it does not benefit the people.
“I hope the situation will not prolong as it does not benefit rakyat Sabah. I am of the opinion that the elected representatives make the rakyat and state’s interest their priority. Not posts or things like that,” he said.
He said this when asked to comment about the current political scenario in Sabah.
“I am also of the opinion that whoever forms the government, there will still be those who are not satisfied. So our hope is that it would not affect the people and that the interest of Sabah be made a priority over self interest,” he stressed.
Lajim also said that the current scenario could be the same as what happened in 1994 with the then PBS government.
It all depends on the state elected representatives, whether they want to see something good for their future or if they want to form a government that can also fight for the people of Sabah.
“To me what is important is the wisdom of the elected representatives who were given the mandate by the rakyat. But don’t let it be detrimental to the dreams of Sabahans,” he stressed.
On the appointment of cabinet ministers to fulfill the wishes of those elected, the scenario is the same for both Tan Sri Musa Aman and Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, opined Lajim.
On who forms the government, Lajim said that both are at a deadlock with the number of seats they have.
“The six nominated assemblymen does not make a difference as in the Constitution only those elected will be counted, not the nominated,” he said.
He also disclosed that Gabungan Sabah is still intact and will continue with what they have been doing all this while.
STAR, its component member, had their blessing to form the state government with BN, he added.
Speaking to reporters after a Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters here today Lajim said he has been given the mandate as the president to make any decision as to the direction of the party, whether now or in the future.
“But before making any decision, I will discuss with senior leaders of the party. The Supreme Council also agreed to continue with our struggles as it is for the people and not for certain leaders.
“Even though we did not win, the number of votes was substantial but we were affected by the political tsunami in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
Harapan Rakyat, Lajim said will look into how it can cooperate with whoever will lead the state and even though it did not win a single seat, it can make suggestions to the new government through an alternative platform.