BUTTERWORTH: Parties in the unity government have been advised not to "fish in troubled waters" (menangguk di air keruh) following the Sabah Progressive Party's (SAPP) decision to leave from Perikatan Nasional (PN).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, nevertheless, said any party within a coalition was free to make its own decision.
Without referring to any specific states or political parties, Zahid said everyone must understand that the formation of state and federal governments are two different matters.
"In this regard (SAPP's withdrawal from PN), I think it is better for parties in the unity government not to 'menangguk di air keruh'," he told reporters here today when asked on SAPP's decision to withdraw from PN.
SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the decision was made during its supreme council meeting on Nov 23.
Yong said it became clear that PN wanted to contest in the upcoming Sabah elections, a position that contradicted SAPP's long-standing stand and policy that all 73 state constituencies should only be contested by local Sabah parties.
Yong said PN headquarters was officially notified of the decision last month.