Tangau’s decision to team up with Warisan ‘God’s intervention’

I refer to the front page report in a local daily on Friday titled “Pairin bows out by blasting Upko as traitors”.

As the title suggested, the outgoing PBS president blamed Upko for its loss of power after the May 9 election. Among other things, he said: “If not for Upko, his party (PBS) and BN would (still) be the government of the day.”

Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan issued a stinging reminder that the hopes of the Presidential Council – a common signed KDM political understanding between PBS, Upko and PBRS to cooperate prior to the general election was betrayed by one of them at the final moment.

He added that Upko’s crossing over to join Warisan despite campaigning under the BN before the election was a betrayal and reneged on the co-operation pact.

The Huguan Siou’s outburst is understandable and in a way I feel sorry for him (for the loss of power). What a way to end his political career after a few decades.

However, on the other hand, being a veteran Pairin should by now understand the mechanics of politics.

Politics is a living thing so that the situation changes by the day, even by the hour. After BN lost power at the federal level, most if not all in BN became panicky after midnight on May 9, Pairin and Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau included.

Being a politician, who was leading a party although at that time in an acting capacity, Tangau was entitled to decide what he felt was best for Upko and its tens of thousands of members throughout the State at that material time. Just like Pairin was entitled to renege on his promise to form a coalition government with Usno in 1985.

So this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. If it is PBS’ decision, Ok. If it is Upko’s, it is not OK. Many felt that had Pairin not broken his promise with Usno, he would perhaps still be the CM today, with someone from Usno being the TYT and DCM.

Upko left BN due to its conscience. It was not about power. If it were, Upko already had two full Ministers in the short-lived Tan Sri Musa Aman cabinet. Tangau didn’t ask to become DCM under Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal. As the saying goes, “A begger does not demand”.

He was equally surprised when Shafie, the new CM, insisted that he (Tangau) be made a DCM as Nominated Assemblyman despite already being an MP.

It was Shafie’s way of showing his appreciation to Tangau for making the bold decision when Warisan most needed Upko’s support, after Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan changed his mind. After being sworn-in, Shafie described Upko’s decision as “God’s intervention”. I can go on and on but I think I have made my point. Even the Court has decided in Shafie’s favour. So let us give him and Upko a chance to govern Sabah. Thank you. Voice of Sabah