Warisan, PKR supporters stage protest
KOTA KINABALU: Hundreds of supporters from Parti Warisan Sabah and PKR staged a protest along Jalan Bandaran last night following the just concluded 14 General Election (GE14).
The supporters, carrying banners and flags of the two parties, yelled at passing vehicles and some of the drivers showed their support by pressing their honk.
They had been gathering at Taman Deasoka since 6pm while chanting for a change of the Sabah government.
Police, Light Strike Force and water cannon trucks were deployed to control the situation.
Although there were several minor provocations from the crowds, security forces stood their ground.
The crowds were later allowed to enter Padang Merdeka, which was their aim, by the police.
They dispersed from Padang Merdeka around midnight without any incident.
It is believed the protest was also over the swearing in of Tan Sri Musa Aman as the Chief Minister at the Istana last night.
Yesterday morning, a group converged in front of Padang Merdeka here and denounced Sabah STAR president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan for ‘betraying’ his voters after he declared his support for Sabah Barisan Nasional
Sabah artist Yee I-Lann claimed the Keningau member of parliament and Tambunan assemblyman had betrayed not only his voters, but also all Sabahans.
“Of all people, he should know and understand better the Sabahan sentiment. What he did made us lose faith in our leaders.
“He betrayed the people and it’s going to happen over and over again until we stand up to despicable leaders,” she said at the gathering.
Passers-by and motorists showed their support for the group by honking their horns.
Jeffrey’s declaration of support has allowed Sabah BN to obtain the simple majority of 31 seats and allowed Musa to be sworn in as Chief Minister.
Jeffrey’s party has won seats in the 14th general election.
Earlier, Jeffrey said he was “not joining” BN but was “supporting” and forging a coalition between Sabah STAR and Barisan as he felt Sabah Barisan was the best option for Sabah.
Meanwhile five assemblyman with Upko stayed put with Musa, minutes after Upko acting president Datuk Wilfred Tangau announced the party was leaving Barisan.