KOTA KINABALU: Sabah leaders will remain focused in looking after the interests of the state and its people amidst the political turmoil in the country.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said they are mindful of what is happening at the national level but noted it should not affect the state.
"Whatever it is, Sabah leaders need to look at Sabah’s interests. Of course, national interest is the bigger picture, but we cannot be looking at that if Sabah is in disarray.
"We have to manage our house first, before we can manage other people's houses," he told reporters after launching the 24th District Officers' Conference, here, today.
He was commenting on the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan)-led state government's stand on the current political unrest and the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister.
Whether the political development would pose a threat to Sabah, Shafie stressed they are running the state well and have the numbers to continue governing.
He assured the state government, which is made up of Warisan, PKR, DAP, and Upko, would not be affected, stressing it is of utmost importance for the Sabah government to stay focused in carrying out its responsibility to serve the people.
"PH made a decision to support Dr Mahathir to continue as the Prime Minister and to administer the country. Even before (the PH presidential council meeting), we have been consistent (in voicing support towards Dr Mahathir).
"It's important for us to have stronger rapport with the federal government. We cannot work in silo. Of course, there are certain things that we don't get along with but what is important is the people," he said.
In a separate statement issued after the event, the Warisan president firmly stressed on the party's support towards Dr Mahathir's leadership as the Prime Minister.
Shafie said the party maintained its utmost support towards Dr Mahathir, despite him tendering his resignation as Prime Minister this afternoon.
"Warisan supports the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir as Malaysia's prime minister. At the same time, Sabah leaders will continue focusing on the interests of the Sabah people amid the nation's current political turmoil," he said.