PKR not in favour of a nominated PAS assemblyman

KOTA KINABALU: The proposal to appoint a PAS representative to the state legislative assembly has not been welcomed by Sabah PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew.

She said the party’s ideology was not suitable for Sabah, which has over 30 different ethnic groups of diverse religious backgrounds.

“Sabah is an exemplary Malaysian state for multiracial, inter-religious and multicultural harmony, where peaceful co-existence has been the hallmark of our life,” she said in a statement yesterday.

Liew, who is Api-Api assemblyman, claimed the proposed inclusion of a PAS representative in the Sabah state assembly would hurt the multicultural character of the state.

She was commenting on Selangor PAS leader Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir’s statement on Friday that the party was qualified to get a nominated assemblyman’s spot in the Sabah legislative assembly and government.

On Thursday, Barisan Nasional secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa said he expected PAS to receive at least one of the six nominated assemblymen spots.

Liew, meanwhile, argued that PAS did not contest any seat in the 16th state election, and neither has it ever won an election in Sabah.

“PAS’ repeated loss in previous elections in Sabah is viewed as a clear-cut rejection of the party by the people,” she said.

Earlier, PBS president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said PAS should not be given any state post as it did not contest in the state election.

“I am sure Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor will take this into account, and also consider the fact that Sabah practises strong mutual respect, understanding and tolerance among all races and religions in this state,” he said.

DAP’s Jannie Lasimbang and Chan Foong Hin previously said the proposal was of grave concern as PAS’ ideology did not resonate with Sabahans.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan had said there were no plans to appoint a PAS representative as state Law and Native Affairs Minister via a nominated assemblyman post.

He described it as fake news spread to create hate and disharmony among the communities in Sabah.