DR M: DON’T JOIN BERSATU TO ENRICH YOURSELVES
Party founded to bring down kleptocratic govt, says chairman
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reminded Sabah’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia members against joining the party to pursue their personal interest.
Dr Mahathir, who is Bersatu chairman, said the party did not have a place for those who only thought of enriching themselves.
“We see that in the previous
government, (the leaders) did not prioritise the rakyat’s wellbeing, but their personal interest.
“Our participation in the party should not be to enrich ourselves, but to develop the country, so we can enjoy the benefits together,” he said at the launch of Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) here yesterday.
Present were party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, secretary-general Datuk Marzuki Yahya and Sabah Bersatu coordinator Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor.
Dr Mahathir said the establishment of Bersatu was to bring down the kleptocratic government and its corrupt leader, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, adding that it had no intention to take over the Parti Warisan Sabah-led government.
He said Bersatu’s entry into Sabah would strengthen the government, adding that a nation or state ruled by a mixed government could bring progress to the people.
“However, having a mixed government is not enough. It requires a sane and able leader who does not abuse power. Hence, we must give others a chance to lead.
“I believe that one day, a prime minister will come from Sabah or Sarawak. We live in a democratic country, so it is possible. Anyone can become a leader if he has the capabilities.”
Speaking to the press later, Dr Mahathir said Bersatu would continue to support Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal even though Warisan was not part of Pakatan Harapan.
“We have given them (Warisan) special position as ministers and deputy ministers in the cabinet and we work together closely, as well as consult each other. There’s no problem for us to work together and their position in the federal cabinet will remain.”
On whether Sabah Bersatu would operate the same way as Umno, where they have to consult federal leaders in decision-making, Dr Mahathir said: “When I was the head of Umno, Sabah didn’t always follow me.”
On the state party committee, he said elections would be conducted in accordance with the Bersatu constitution.
Muhyiddin, in his speech, said Bersatu’s entry into Sabah was done upon the request of Sabahans and the party was open to all ethnicities.
More than 30,000 people converged on ITCC during the event, where seven elected representatives received their membership cards.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister and PH president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Chief Minister and state PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew, and former chief ministers Tan Sri Harris Salleh and Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat.
Leaders and representatives from United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, as well as the opposition Gabungan Bersatu Sabah coalition and Liberal Democratic Party also attended the event.