KOTA KINABALU: Reject opposition's prejudiced and bigoted efforts to garner votes in the six upcoming state elections, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said that the discriminatory tactics employed by the opposition were detrimental to a plural country like Malaysia.

"The country needs the people to stay united and stable to progress, not blinded by racism and bigotry," he said during a meeting with Sabah voters ahead of the Aug 12 polls, at a hotel in Seremban yesterday.

Therefore, he said it was crucial to pick candidates from the unity government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to maintain the nation's political dynamics for a better future.

Hajiji, who is also chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), said the unity government was the best platform for multiracial Malaysia to move forward.

He said the special rights of the Malays were protected under the Federal Constitution, without ignoring the interests and rights of other races in Malaysia.

"The rights of the Malays, Bahasa Melayu as the official language, Islam as the official religion, and the privilege of the Malay rulers are protected in the Federal Constitution.

"We in Sabah have been a good example of unity in diversity and solidarity because, despite racial and religious differences, we have coexisted in harmony for such a long time regardless of political ideology, which is also being promoted by the unity government at the national level.

"Therefore, I call upon the people to support the unity government candidates in the state election," he said.

Present were Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.

Among the GRS entourage at the event were deputy chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, vice chairman Datuk Masiung Banah and information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Also present were Kawang assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, Tempasuk assemblyman Arshad Bistari, Tawau MP Lo Su Fui and Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2023/07/936315/hajiji-reject-oppositions-prejudiced-and-bigoted-vote-seeking-tactics