KOTA KINABALU: This is not the time to change the government as the focus should be on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, says a Sabah Deputy Chief Minister.

       Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice-president, said such politicking would be a waste of time and effort.

       This comes after 11 Umno MPs withdrew their support for the Perikatan Nasional government and the Prime Minister.

       Sabah leaders have said this will not have an impact on the state’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which comprises Sabah Barisan Nasional (Umno, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, MCA and MIC), Sabah Perikatan Nasional (Bersatu, Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party, PAS and Gerakan) and PBS.

       As such, Dr Joachim said in a statement that the GRS-led state government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor of Bersatu would continue to give its full attention to fighting Covid-19.

       “This is definitely not the time for changing a government. How can we be sure that the spread of Covid-19 will stop after we change the government?

       “Perhaps it will get worse... there is no certainty,” said Dr Joachim, who is also state Industrial Development Minister.

       He said the people of Sabah gave GRS the mandate in last year’s snap state election and GRS leaders were now duty-bound to fulfil it.

       On Tuesday, Hajiji said GRS leaders had reached a consensus to maintain cooperation in the state government despite what was happening at the federal level.

       Yesterday, PBS deputy president Datuk Jahid Jahim reiterated his party’s support for the Federal Government led by Muhyiddin.

       PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili is part of the Federal Government and is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.