Lajim: Party’s entry to Sabah may not be so soon

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s entry to Sabah may take longer than expected following Barisan Nasional’s win in the Semenyih by-election, according to a state opposition leader here.

Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) president Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said though there was no definite date when Bersatu would officially set foot in the state, it was expected to be after the Semenyih by-election.

“But Pakatan Harapan lost, so I think there will be some delay in Bersatu coming into Sabah as there will be a post-mortem and other matters to address,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Lajim said there was also the Rantau state by-election in Negri Sembilan to consider, adding that he hoped Pakatan would not lose again.

He said the Semenyih loss should be an eye-opener for Pakatan, calling on the ruling coalition to review its achievements after 10 months in power following its general election victory.

“There are new policies such as the smoking ban in restaurants which I think is really good, and which was implemented immediately.

“But maybe this is among the various drastic changes that Malaysians find hard to accept,” he said.

On other matters, he said PHRS’ EGM was expected to be held in April to disband the party ahead of the move for it to join Bersatu in Sabah.