KUNAK: Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (BERSATU) has denied that the mass entry of members of Parti Warisan and Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) component parties into BERSATU is political propaganda.
Sabah BERSATU Chief, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, said their decision to join BERSATU is made voluntarily without any coercion.
“The members of Warisan and Sabah PH components decided to be with BERSATU because they have lost confidence in Warisan and also the leadership of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“The question that their (Warisan members) mass entry into BERSATU is political propaganda, as alleged by Warisan, did not arise. (Because) It is not true,” he said.
He told the media this when receiving the Warisan members led by Haji Hussein Pg Ibnu Hassan in a ceremony held at his residence in Kg Jaya Baru, here yesterday.
Hussein led over 2,000 Warisan members who have declared leaving the party and joining BERSATU. They comprise Warisan members from over 70 Warisan branches.
“Today, in Kunak alone, BERSATU received thousands of Warisan leaders and members joining the party. They have voluntarily abandoned Warisan to support and join BERSATU. This is not political propaganda or gimmick.
“This (Warisan members who joined BERSATU) is a fact and not fiction. We do not need to do a gimmick and propaganda, because BERSATU is getting more popular and support from the people of Sabah,” he stressed.
Hajiji said the members of Warisan and Sabah PH component parties are not only joining BERSATU, but also the other Perikatan Nasional (PN) component parties.
According to him, the people now realised that they have wrongly changed during the GE14 and now they want to change it back and give support to BERSATU and PN in the coming State Election (PRN).
“The people want changes and want a Government which has a good relationship and aligned with the Federal Government,” he stressed.
In conjunction with the National Day celebration, Hajiji invites the people of Sabah to continue standing strong and united to defend the sovereignty and independence of the country and the State.
He said the people need to be thankful because they are able to celebrate the National Day in a peaceful, harmony and prosperous environment.
“We totally reject any claim by the Philippines Government over Sabah. We strongly object to their action.
“The claim over Sabah supposedly did arise or resurface. We will defend the sovereignty of Sabah until the last drop of blood,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Saturday said Malaysia will not bow down to any claim over Sabah.
He said Malaysia remains steadfast in stating no compromise to whatever issue involving the sovereignty of Sabah and will defend the State till the end.
“Recently there is a statement from the Philippines wanting to make a new map to be printed on its passport. I don’t want to say too much, we will not bow down to this claim. Sabah remains in Malaysia…Sabah is part of Malaysia.
“There should not be any attempt to bring Sabah out of Malaysia and there should not be an attempt by anyone to claim Sabah as part of their region,” said Muhyiddin.
Earlier, Hajiji also attended a gathering with BERSATU leaders, members and machineries at Haji Husin Rais’ residence in Kunak township.
On Sunday, Hajiji attended a session with Silam BERSATU Division leaders, members and machinery in Lahad Datu.
Also accompanying Hajiji during his Jelajah programme in East Coast of Sabah are BERSATU Supreme Leadership Council Member Haji Abdul Hakim Haji Gulam Hassan, who is also Silam BERSATU Division Chief, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Lajim Haji Ukin, Semporna BERSATU Division Chief, Haji Mohd Daud Tampokong, National Srikandi Exco member Puan Mizma Apphedullah, who is also Silam BERSATU Srikandi Division Chief.-pr/BNN
