KOTA KINABALU – Seventeen PKR division leaders have called for Datuk Christina Liew to be removed as Sabah PKR chairman.
Tawau division chief Tommy Thomas said that 17 division chiefs had signed statutory declarations rejecting Liew as the state chapter’s chairman, adding that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also knows of the matter.
“I know Anwar has been informed over the SDs and, as a party which practices reforms, I am certain Anwar will heed the division chiefs’ call.
“In the SD, we also proposed a new chairman to lead Sabah PKR, replacing Liew.
“Previously, these divisional leaders supported Liew to remain as chairperson after the party elections in 2018 to avoid the state being under the control of the ‘kartel faction’.
“Now failures after failures on Liew’s part and her choice of keeping it silent no longer can be tolerated,” he said, here today.
Calling for Anwar to take immediate action, Thomas said PKR was once the dominant opposition party in Sabah until Liew took over following the departure of the late Datuk Lajim Ukin.
He said Liew not only failed to assist all 26 PKR divisions but instead was only focused on her divisional needs, and therefore viewed as not being serious in leading the state chapter.
“This is shown following Liew’s failure to retain the party seats contested by PKR in 2013, (with the party) only (contesting) in eight seats in the 2018 general election.
“Five of eight seats the party contested are seats which were rejected by Pakatan Harapan allies, as well as Warisan,” he said.
Tommy said it was more disappointing that, when the Sabah election was held last year, PKR’s quota was reduced to only seven seats – although there were 73 state seats up for grabs.
“PKR is at its lowest point in history since spreading its wings to Sabah in 1999. The party is also troubled by internal rifts and many more issues,” he said.
Liew, when contacted, said she refused to respond, adding that there is a group bent on seeking her removal.
“I have kept quiet before, so I am keeping quiet now,” said Liew, adding that she has nothing more to say. – The Vibes, December 2, 2021
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