Anwar campaigns for Liew, calls for rejection of religious rhetoric
KOTA KINABALU: This 16th State election is not a question of race but one of Sabahans’ commitments to certain values and principles such as integrity and good intention to make changes, said PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his ceramah in support of PKR Api-Api candidate, Datuk Christina Liew, Anwar emphasised the need to place candidates who are locals or Sabahans who understand the aspirations of their own people.
“But most important, it is not whether they are from Keningau or Kundasang or whatever. More importantly, they must get the right values and principles to protect the interests of their own people.
“I propose we change the narrative - reject racial and religious sentiments, reject district sentiments, including people who use such sentiments and also perompak (robber).
“I understand the state sentiments - Sabah, Sabah. What is important is that the State embraces integrity, principles and values. We have Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, we don’t want religious rhetoric but values preached by each religion.
“As such, vote for the Api Api candidate Christina Liew. Saya datang sokong dia (I come to support her),” he said to applause.
Anwar’s appeal to the people of Sabah is: “In this election, make a wise decision. You should boldly and loudly say with one clear message, not only to Sabahans but to the whole country. We are sick and tired of corrupt politicians, we want change. Corrupt politicians have no place in this government. That is my message.
“I do really appreciate this.
Somehow tonight. I feel I can express the fundamental issues. I think that need to be articulated to the right audience. Where I am now, is the sixth ceramah. This is the first occasion where I have to express frankly, appealing to you, as your friend, as your brother, in this struggle to effect change in this country.”
Stressing that we cannot allow the ‘frogs’ to decide on Sabah’s future, and that this cannot ever happen, Anwar asked: “Do they actually represent the aspirations of the majority of our people? Can we trust them to determine our lives, our parents’ lives and our children’s future?
“This election is decided by (caretaker Chief Minister) Shafie. It’s better that the rakyat decide. That is precisely a wise decision that we must support.”
To conclude, he said: “I am very optimistic of the future of the country. Be more confident and Malaysia will be on the right track.”
Speaking to reporters, Liew, who is defending the Api-Api seat, urged the people to vote for Warisan Plus to ensure a big majority for the coalition to return to power.
“We want the people’s mandate for (Datuk Seri) Shafie Apdal to be the Chief Minister again,” she said.
Earlier, in her address, the caretaker Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that PKR would fare better this time around than in the last election.
“We hope to win all seven seats contesting under the party’s banner. God willing,” she said, adding that PKR will be a part of the would-be Warisan Plus government after September 26.