Anifah quits Umno, says decision in interest of Sabah rights
KOTA KINABALU: Kimanis Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has resigned from Umno and all his posts in the party with immediate effect.
The former foreign minister cited his promise to the constituents in Kimanis that he would resign from the party if Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) failed to fulfill promises pertaining to Malaysia Agreement 1963 as the reason for quitting.
Anifah, in a statement yesterday, said he came to the decision to quit Umno and his posts in the party after much soul-searching.
“I made the promise to the constituents in Kimanis. I realise that without Umno and BN being in power my struggles would not have yielded results. However, I hold firm to my promise that I will quit Umno if my struggles for Sabahans cannot be continued under the party,” said Anifah.
“My struggle in politics all this while is very clear. I stand firm in wanting Sabahans to receive equal treatment and all their rights implemented without any excuse and being questioned by anyone within or outside the party,” he stressed.
“This is because the MA63 is the starting point of the establishment of a federation we know as Malaysia today,” Anifah pointed out.
He added that even though he was no longer in Umno, he would continue championing for the rights of Sabahans and carry out his responsibility as a Member of Parliament in voicing the interest and hopes of constituents in the area (Kimanis).
Anifah, however, pointed out that the Pakatan Harapan government must, at the same time, be committed in fulfilling its promises especially those with regard to restoring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the MA63.
Anifah, who held the posts of Umno Supreme Council member and Umno Kimanis chief, expressed his gratitude to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, its leadership as well as BN federal and state for their trust and support for him all this while.
He also extended his gratitude to all supporters especially Umno Kimanis for their confidence and support to him.
News of Anifah's resignation came after Umno Supreme Council member cum Jeli Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed announced that he was quitting the party on Monday.
Meanwhile, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Hajiji Noor said that the party was aware of Anifah's resignation and bore the latter no ill feelings.
“Umno Sabah respects his decision. We will monitor closely this latest political development especially because he is one of the senior Umno leaders in Sabah,” he said.