‘Biggest turnout’ surprises Dr M

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad was surprised by the huge turnout at the launch of the party’s chapter in Sabah.

“This is the biggest turnout for the launching of a political party that I have experienced in my 70 years of political career,” said the Prime Minister at the launching ceremony which was held at ITCC Penampang here, yesterday.

Dr Mahathir explained that even before the election, there were Sabahans who had expressed their interest in Bersatu and wanted the party to spread its wings to the state.

“But we did not do so at that time as well as we were worried that it could affect our performance in the election,” he said.

Many, he said had left Umno and Barisan National (BN) adding “because of their interest, we opened up the door for them to join other parties in PH. But a lot of them want to join Bersatu and many have gone to Kuala Lumpur to convince PH component parties, especially Bersatu of their sincerity to join the parties.

“This is the time for us to set up Bersatu in Sabah as no one can deny that Sabahans are interested in the party,” he said.

Dr Mahathir also added that we are all Malaysians and although separated by the vast sea, everyone realises that unity is strength.

He said he wants to have all Malaysians united and is confident that Bersatu will get support from Sabahans who are looking for ways to develop.

According to him Bersatu will support the ruling party in Sabah and it’s members will strengthen the state government which at the same time will also strengthen the federal government.

Dr Mahathir also stressed that although Warisan is not in Pakatan Harapan, it was given space to be in the federal cabinet with ministers and deputy ministers.

He however pointed out that having a coalition is not enough to ensure a strong government as the leaders must also be of sound mind and not power crazy.

He also advised those joining Bersatu that there is no place in the party for those who only want one enrich themselves.

“We are here to enrich the country and the people so there is no place for those who join the party to obtain personal wealth illegally,” he stressed.

At the launching ceremony yesterday, Tun Mahathir announced the appointment of Sulaman assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor as Bersatu Sabah coordinator.

He also handed over Bersatu membership cards to six former Umno assemblymen, namely Datuk Arifin Arif (Membakut), Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan (Kawang), Datuk Isnin Aliasnih (Klias), Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan (Apas), Matbali Musah (Lumadan) and former Upko assemblyman Datuk Bobbey Suan (Nabawan).

Hajiji also handed over 120,076 membership application forms to Dr Mahathir.