KOTA KINABALU, Jan 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor his blessings to remain as chief minister while finding a solution that can solidify the state government.

Anwar, who flew into Sabah last night for just over two hours to help smooth things over with the bickering state political leaders, thanked Hajiji for listening to him and Deputy Prime Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and reiterated that it was up to the state to figure out the best solution for everyone.

"Yes, I am giving my blessings to Hajiji,” he replied reporters here when asked.

"We have given our views. We want Sabah to be strong under Hajiji. Give him the space to discuss and find a good formula for Sabah,” he reiterated.

Anwar said that it was important that Sabah stabilises quicky as it seeks to take back its autonomous rights through gas supply Bills that will be tabled in the State Assembly later today.

The state government has been in turmoil since last Friday night when the majority of Sabah Umno’s assemblymen withdrew support and put Hajiji’s position in jeopardy.

Hajiji recouped support quickly by maintaining five out of 17 of Sabah Umno’s assemblymen, plus Pakatan Harapan’s seven assemblymen.

He is now believed to have 44 assemblymen backing him – more than half of the 79-seat State Assembly.