Thousands apply to join Bersatu in Labuan, claims leader
LABUAN: Despite Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) clarification the party will not spread its wings to Sabah, Bersatu Labuan and Sabah self-proclaimed leader yesterday claimed that thousands had filled up forms to be member of the party.
Asroh Sukardi also claimed the steady increase in members is an indication that they are hoping for the Bersatu's leadership to consider the establishment of the party in Labuan and Sabah.
“For the record, more than 1, 300 people in Labuan have registered as members of Bersatu and were given membership number, whereas, in Sabah, we have received membership forms from various ethnic people at all the 25 parliamentary seats in the state,” said Asroh who claimed to be the Bersatu Labuan supporter club chief cum Sabah Bersatu protem deputy chief.
He disclosed that more than 3, 000 membership forms from various parts of Sabah would be submitted to the Bersatu headquarters before end of the year.
“We want to show to the Bersatu's leadership people in Labuan and Sabah are hoping for the party to spread its wing here and Sabah as part of democracy process for the people to have the freedom to subscribe to any party's political struggle,” Asroh said.
Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said on Monday that the party would not spread its wings to Sabah.
“No, we are not going to form any party in Sabah. The people in Sabah can choose their party,” said the prime minister when asked by the media on the possibility of Bersatu spreading its wings to Sabah.
Prior to this, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was reported to have said that there were requests for Bersatu to go to Sabah following the action by 14 Sabah Umno elected representatives and senior leaders in quitting the party.
The government ruling parties that have expanded to Labuan are Parti Keadilan Rakyat, Parti Amanah Negara, Democratic Action Party and Parti Warisan Sabah.