KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Sabah or United Sabah Alliance is unfazed by the heavy recruitment carried out by Parti Warisan Sabah ahead of the upcoming general election but has an open arms policy towards the party coming into its fold.
Warisan is said to have created a real buzz among the various communities in the state and is believed to have gathered over 30,000 members in less than three months since its formation.
Led by former federal minister Shafie Apdal, the party has voiced confidence in its ability to win, with its number two, Darell Leiking, saying it could win a sizeable number of state and parliamentary seats without help from anyone.
However, Gabungan, consisting of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah STAR) led by Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah Progressive Party by Yong Teck Lee, Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah by Lajim Ukin and Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS) by Arshad Abdul Mualap, is confident they will be able to hold their own as the opposition to ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN) in the general election.
“They (Warisan) have been actively holding roadshows and so have we,” said Lajim on behalf of Gabungan after a ceremony today to mark the 41st anniversary of a plane crash that killed 11 passengers, including then-chief minister Fuad Stephens here.
“We also believe Sabah is for Sabahans and are making efforts to realise this principle. We are not worried about Warisan’s campaigning.
“We are hoping that one day there’ll be equality in the Sabah agenda, meaning there’s no monopoly (in the government) or a dominant side in our coalition. We want things to be equal. There should be terms of reference that pave the way for good cooperation.
“As you know, our cooperation is based on mutual trust, honesty and sincerity. If the lone opposition Warisan wants to join us, we are open to discussions.”
Lajim also brushed aside claims made by Chief Minister Musa Aman that the opposition is trying to gain support by making false accusations against the government and ruling coalition.
“We are confident the people will decide who should win,” said Lajim. “BN says it has been doing good work in improving Sabah’s economy and protecting the people. That’s what they always say to defend their position.
“For us, we will keep on fighting for justice, meeting the needs of the grassroots and fighting for the rights of the state under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (with the federation).”
Musa had asked Sabahans not to be easily swayed by the opposition which is only out to win their votes in the coming election.
“These people are frustrated because they have lost their power and positions and are trying to be candidates in the general election. So they go to the villages to win support,” he said.
“Don’t be influenced by these irresponsible people who are only capable of creating disunity among the people.” FMT.
