KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has described the call by Sabah Umno leaders for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to resign as unjust and a political manoeuvre.
GRS deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the demand was inappropriate, given that the GRS chairman was not facing any charges or court cases.
He said linking the demand to a viral video alleging a corruption scandal involving several GRS assemblymen through a news portal was a form of political play.
He said his name was also dragged into the issue when it was suggested that he replace Hajiji as an interim chief minister amid integrity concerns following the spread of the video.
"Firstly, I think asking the chief minister to resign is unfair and inappropriate because what's his wrongdoing?
"He has not been charged, he hasn't gone to court.
"Secondly, why drag my name into this if not to cause division and disrupt our leadership in GRS?" he told the media after launching Pemuda GRS at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) today.
Also present were GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, the presidents of the GRS component parties, and GRS Youth Chief Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum.
Previously, Umno Youth Treasurer Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar had said that Hajiji should step down with dignity after facing integrity, reputation, and credibility issues.
He proposed that Jeffrey be appointed as the Interim Chief Minister due to his credibility, integrity, and positive reputation for leading the state administration.
As the president of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Jeffrey described the attacks on GRS leaders as a desperate move by the opposition to expedite the 17th state election (PRN17).
"Our term isn't over yet, it's not finished, but some parties want the PRN to be held quickly, to replace the government fast, and that's why they're attacking us, trying to divide us with old tactics.
"We understand their game," he said.
The current Sabah government's term ends in October next year, and the state legislative assembly is likely to be dissolved closer to that date, possibly in August, as mentioned recently by GRS Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ruddy Awah.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, said GRS would provide opportunities for young candidates in the upcoming PRN17.
"We will give them (the youth) a chance in constituencies where they are ready and have a real chance of winning," he added.