KOTA KINABALU – The bickering between Warisan and Sabah PKR has deepened following the former’s criticism over the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by PKR’s national opposition alliance Pakatan Harapan (PH) with the federal government.
In an apparent rebuttal to Warisan yesterday, the Sabah PKR council hit out at Warisan information chief Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Sahari for criticising PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin had earlier criticised Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking.
Much of the war of words between the two parties stem from Leiking who had been quoted as claiming that PH’s role as the opposition has weakened due to the signing of the MoU in September this year.
“The comment made by Awang is a form of provocation that only seeks to open the room for political polemics aimed to weaken the cooperation of the opposition parties led by PH,” said Sabah PKR deputy chairman Mustapha Sakmud yesterday.
Mustapha rubbished an allegation that PKR has derided Warisan even though PH respects the Sabah-based party’s stand for not partaking in the MoU.
“For the record, the PH leadership has never pressured or mocked Warisan leaders for not signing the MoU,” he said.
What was done was the PH leadership opened up space for the Warisan leadership to consider the MoU for the benefit of the people who are struck by economic pressures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is no reason for us to push, let alone ridicule the Warisan leadership because we believe in the politics of values and maturity for the good of the people in this state,” he said.
Mustapha also said Leiking’s claim that the MoU had opened up space for racial and religious agendas to be executed as completely inaccurate. He said that such issues are created by race-based political parties in the country.
“Sabah is one of the states that pioneered a multiracial party with a background of excellent social harmony.
“PKR and the establishment of PH, formerly Pakatan Rakyat, which is multiracial and multi-religious, are to break the walls of the racial and religious agendas in the country.
“The wave that erupted since 1998 has changed the political landscape of this country,” added Mustapha.
“The political cooperation among the opposition remains important to bring about reform and change in the country.”
Towards this end, Mustapha said Sabah PKR has given enough room and opportunities to Warisan to lead the opposition pact and has remained silent to ensure unity and strategic cooperation are maintained. – The Vibes, December 18, 2021
