KOTA KINABALU: Any decision that Sabah takes in the formation of the new federal government should reflect the interest of its people as enshrined in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63), said former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
Anifah, who is former Kimanis member of parliament, feels that the state's position amid the political turmoil remains unaffected until the next prime minister was appointed.
"The MPs are having an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong today. If there is enough support for Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad), then he will be the Prime Minister.
"Thereafter, (will have to) see the composition of the new cabinet. Only then can Sabah decide," the Umno-turned-independent leader told New Straits Times via a text message today.
"Whatever the decision and position Sabah takes, it must reflect what we Sabahans want with regards to our rights based on the MA63 and the constitution," he said.
Speaking on matters leading to Dr Mahathir's resignation as Prime Minister and events that followed, Anifah believed he had his own reasons for doing so.
He also viewed that demands by certain political parties and individuals would only complicate matters.
"My message to all parties concerned is to please settle what needs to be done and move on. There are obligations to the rakyat to be fulfilled and a country to run," he said.
On whether there will be a snap election, Anifah said that would depend entirely on the outcome of Dr Mahathir's meeting with the heads of all parties.
"It is premature to speculate. I will support anyone appointed as prime minister. What is important is for Sabah’s rights to be delivered as promised and as stated in the MA63," he said.