‘100,000 have applied to join Bersatu’

Some 100,000 former Sabah Umno members have already applied to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), said Beluran MP Datuk Ronald Kiandee.

He said the party was ready to set up divisions in the 25 parliamentary constituencies in the state and that they are just waiting for things to become official.

“We are expecting the number of members to grow quickly once the party spreads its wings to Sabah officially,” said Kiandee, who was among five MPs, nine assemblymen and two senators who left Umno to become independents.

At the same time, a total of 21 out of 25 division heads also left the party on Dec 12.

Only Tempasuk assemblyman Musbah Jamli has since joined Warisan earlier this month.

Former Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the independents would be holding a meeting soon and would issue a statement after that.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate comments from Warisan leaders as well as their local state partners DAP, PKR and Upko.

Opposition Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Lajim Ukin, who is considering dissolving his party, said Bersatu’s move to Sabah was good.

He pointed out Bersatu was a pillar to the Pakatan Harapan government.

“We are thankful over this decision.

“I believe Sabahans, especially the Bumiputera Muslims and non-Muslims will choose Bersatu as the platform for their struggles,” said Lajim, whose party was wiped out in the last elections.

Meanwhile, Warisan with 33 assemblymen still controls the 65 member state assembly.

We are expecting the number of members to grow quickly.

Datuk Ronald Kiandee