Opposition’s new top leadership line-up no threat to Sabah BN — Kurup

SEPANG: The opposition’s new top leadership line-up, as announced recently, would not at all be a threat to Sabah Barisan Nasional’s strength, said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

He said, besides having a vague direction, the history of their ties and conflicts would make it difficult for the opposition to be united and move along as a strong coalition.

“The three top leaders have their own history, that is, they could not see eye to eye before and surely it will be difficult for them to come to a consensus on matters.

“When they already have those uneasy feelings (with each other), how can they move in tandem, to form a strong pact?” Kurup said to reporters after participating in the “Carbon Neutral Activity 4 Sun Suria City Eco Charity Bicycle Ride”, here, yesterday.

He was commenting on the opposition’s latest top leadership line-up which sees Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman, as the coalition’s chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the de facto leader and Anwar’s wife, PKR president, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, as president.

Kurup, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said these three leaders generally appeared to be working together now but the reality was otherwise.

He said that was why he is confident that the pact would not affect the strength and chances of the Barisan Nasional in the 14th general election, especially in Sabah.

In announcing their new top leadership line-up, the opposition also named Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (from PPBM), Lim Guan Eng (DAP) and Mohamad Sabu (Parti Amanah Negara) as deputy presidents.

On the cycling event, Kurup said the programme, aimed at promoting patriotism in conjunction with the coming National Day celebration, was in line with the government’s desire to have more programmes which could unite and bring the people together.

He said it was also a proactive measure taken by a nongovernmental organisation (Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry) to promote care for the environment and a healthy lifestyle among the public. - Bernama