SANDAKAN – Karamunting community development leader Datuk Chew Kok Woh today announced that he is leaving MCA after 32 years in the party.
At a press conference, he announced that he has joined Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan) along with 400 members, and is now the party’s Karamunting division chief.
“Malaysians are now moving to support a multiracial party, and in Sabah, a local and multiracial party. I believe that Gagasan is the right party for me as a politician in Sabah to serve the people here better.
“This is a party that will unite us all under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),” he said, referring to the state’s ruling coalition.
Chew was Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Karamunting seat during the Sabah election in 2020. He held several positions in MCA during his political career, including being a supreme council and presidential council member.
He announced that he had submitted his resignation letter to MCA, and membership form to Gagasan, earlier this week.
He had also set up 15 Gagasan branches under his division.
“Now, my wife who is Dusun can join Gagasan, a multiracial Sabah party. Before this in MCA, she could not join because she is not Chinese,” he said.
Chew said he has joined Gagasan to use his experience in politics and contribute to the party.
He thanked MCA for the party’s guidance and support over the years.
“I was moved by Gagasan’s president Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s slogan about the party – we take care of our home; our kitchen, we decide the menu. This gives new hope to the people of Sabah.
“I will continue to support Hajiji and give my full confidence and loyalty to the leadership of Gagasan,” he said. –The Vibes, March 11, 2023