KUALA LUMPUR – A cooling-off period is needed to lower the political temparature in Sabah, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this, while admitting that he had made some recommendations to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on methods to resolve issues in Sabah.
"Anwar and myself agree that there should be a cooling-off period. Even in calm moments such as these there are incidents that have occured but what is important is the Prime Minister's aim is to establish a unity government involving all parties that constitute the Federal Government," said Ahmad Zahid.
"A unity government should not be difficult to establish in Sabah, but the acceptance is an aspect that requires our engagement before hand," said Ahmad Zahid, speaking at a press conference following a casual get-together between the media and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry at the Kuala Lumpur Tower today.
"I am certain the people of Sabah do not want another state elections. This isn't just tiring, but also a burden."
He said democracy was not only about elections, but also about an agreement between political parties whose intentions were geared towards the well-being of the people, was also something that had to be emphasised and executed.
"Thus, I hope that the development and welfare, as well as facilities to serve the people will be given precendence. If politicking was the priority, then I am sure all that I have said will not be given a priority. I urge all parties to be forgiving and open to the Prime Minister's wishes for a unity government to be formed in Sabah," said Ahmad Zahid.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this, while admitting that he had made some recommendations to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on methods to resolve issues in Sabah.
"Anwar and myself agree that there should be a cooling-off period. Even in calm moments such as these there are incidents that have occured but what is important is the Prime Minister's aim is to establish a unity government involving all parties that constitute the Federal Government," said Ahmad Zahid.
"A unity government should not be difficult to establish in Sabah, but the acceptance is an aspect that requires our engagement before hand," said Ahmad Zahid, speaking at a press conference following a casual get-together between the media and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry at the Kuala Lumpur Tower today.
"I am certain the people of Sabah do not want another state elections. This isn't just tiring, but also a burden."
He said democracy was not only about elections, but also about an agreement between political parties whose intentions were geared towards the well-being of the people, was also something that had to be emphasised and executed.
"Thus, I hope that the development and welfare, as well as facilities to serve the people will be given precendence. If politicking was the priority, then I am sure all that I have said will not be given a priority. I urge all parties to be forgiving and open to the Prime Minister's wishes for a unity government to be formed in Sabah," said Ahmad Zahid.