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THE Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) State Government is exploring new areas of cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak as regional partners in the Federation of Malaysia.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said Sabah and Sarawak have many similarities in terms of culture, history and struggle. Hence, there is much synergy to harness for the common good of the two states.

“As members of the MA63 Special Council chaired by the Prime Minister, we have cohesively worked together to push for the momentous passing of the Federal Constitution Amendment 2021 relevant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 last year,” he stressed.

He was leading Sabah’s high-powered delegation for a one-day visit to Sarawak on Jan 31. He was accompanied by his three deputies, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, as well as Sabah State Assembly Speaker, Datuk Kadzim Yahya and Sabah State Secretary, Datuk Seri Safar Untong.

In his maiden visit to Kuching as Chief Minister of Sabah, Hajiji met with his Sarawak counterpart, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg for the first time since the latter led the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to a landslide victory in last December’s Sarawak State Election.

Apart from personally congratulating Abang Johari on securing a clear mandate to helm the Government, Hajiji said the visit was also aimed at further strengthening the existing close ties between both states.

At the meeting, also attended by his Cabinet members, Abang Johari shared his views on several matters including state-federal relations, the need for political stability, Sarawak rights and the common stand Sarawak and Sabah could take in pursuing the state rights.

Hajiji said he and Abang Johari are no strangers, both having been long-time friends and colleagues, serving as Minister of Housing in previous governments.