KOTA KINABALU: All parties can join the unity government, Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said.
"Its 'perpaduan' (unity). It means that everyone can join. So, any party which wants to join must ensure unity in the government for the prosperity of the country and people.
"This is our priority, and the general election is held every five years. Of course, I want to see that the unity government suggested by Yang di-Pertuan Agong can ensure people's welfare is protected, and the economy can be restored," he said when asked to comment on Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's decision to join the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Earlier today, Anwar during a press conference at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya, said GRS had agreed to join the unity government and this meant that the government would have a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat.
Bung Moktar said he hoped that the new unity government would benefit Sabah and its people, especially in terms of economic development.
He also said the political situation in the peninsula would not affect the political situation in Sabah.
"That is where the wisdom of the leader is needed. Politics is an instrument to ensure that when we have the power, we use it to develop our state," he said.
On his previous statement that GRS was declaring war against BN, following Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's statement to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the prime minister candidate, Bung Moktar admitted that he was "a little emotional".
"BN's cooperation with GRS runs well. There's no war between BN and GRS," he said, adding that Sabah leaders were big-hearted in ensuring peace and stability in the state.