Bersatu’s entry into Sabah right decision, says Muhyiddin
PENAMPANG: Setting foot in Sabah proves to be the right decision with more than 120,000 application forms to join Parti Pribumi Bumiputera Malaysia (Bersatu) in Sabah, said its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin said the 20,000 turnout of people donning the red Bersatu colour at the International Technology & Commercial Centre (ITCC) here yesterday was the largest he had seen in the country thus far.
“Looking at the heads of this kind of people who are mostly wearing red, which is the Bersatu colour, I have no doubt that Bersatu’s entry into Sabah is an accurate decision,” he said at the Bersatu Sabah official launch at ITCC here yesterday.
“Actually, the arrival of Bersatu into Sabah is at the request of the people of Sabah.
“So Bersatu leaders discussed with friends in Sabah, including with Warisan leaders and finally decided to establish Bersatu in Sabah,” he added.
Muhyiddin said the party is inclusive and will not only continue to defend the rights of natives and Bumiputeras but also other races.
He said Bersatu’s presence in Sabah is not only to strengthen the government leadership in Sabah but also ensure that the state will continue to progress.
Elected representatives who received membership during the ceremony yesterday were Membakut assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif, Kawang assemblyman-Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Usukan assemblyman Datuk Japlin Akim, Klias assemblyman Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Lumadan assemblyman Datuk Matbali Musah, and Nabawan assemblyman Datuk Bobbey Ahfang Suan.
PENAMPANG: Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) supporters should not look at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) as a threat to their party, said its secretary-general Loretto S. Padua Jr.
“No, never,” Loretto said when reporters asked whether his party’s supporters should feel threatened by PPBM.
“You see, in Warisan, we have our own identity. They (PPBM) have their own identity. If the people of Sabah want to follow us, then they will follow us.
“They (PPBM) are not our enemy as we are in the same government,” he said.
He reckoned that those who think otherwise are maybe those from the ground who may feel unsatisfied.
Regardless, Loretto said that he respected their views on PPBM’s entry to Sabah.
Loretto spoke to reporters during Warisan Penampang’s Wira and Wanita Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday - the same day that PPBM was officially launched in Sabah.
“I wish them (PPBM) all the best. We (Warisan) will still maintain with our party’s and president’s stand before this. There is no law which can prevent them (PPBM from entering),” he said.
Asked to comment on PPBM’s decision to launch the party in Penampang, Loretto said that PPBM had the right to choose any place they wanted.
Previously, there were rumours claiming that PPBM would be launched at Padang Merdeka.
Instead, PPBM chose Penampang - a district which is currently highly regarded as a Warisan’s stronghold.
On the rumours that some party members are unsatisfied with the appointment of certain party leaders, Loretto said that such dissatisfaction is a norm in politics.
“That happens everywhere. That is why we must ensure that party elections will be held in every division,” he said.
Also present in the event was Penampang Wira Warisan chief Ian Mahendra Krishnan who revealed that the battle for the Penampang Wira chief post would be a three-cornered contest.
He said that the party must always remain united and had lauded the fact that Warisan would hold elections once every three years.
“This is our number one goal. To get the people together.
“It is good to have this election every year - to ensure that the party remains solid and that its leaders are well received by the grassroots members,” said Ian.