SANDAKAN – Umno is much safer now after weeding out dissidents from its ranks, said Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin in asserting that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which is ruling the state, is now free to take them in.
In a swipe at the Umno turncoats, the Lamag assemblyman said the three sacked elected representatives – Datuk James Ratib (Sugut), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk) and Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit) – did not even turn up to face the Umno disciplinary board over their actions when called.
The three assemblymen expressed allegiance to GRS. They wanted to join Gagasan Rakyat, the party led by Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, after clashing with Bung Moktar during the political crisis in January.
“Firstly, their action in running away from the party shows their true selves, which we have not been aware of for so long.
“But no need to worry. We did not lose anything from their departure,” said Bung Moktar, claiming that turncoats are often driven by money and power.
“Such leaders do not think one bit of what is important. It is their voters and the people who had voted for them. It seems the people are the last thing on their minds when they do this,” he added.
A report published in the local daily had quoted Hajiji, who is also GRS chairman, as being willing to accept the Umno defectors today.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced a cooling-off period for the state Umno chapter, where a reconciliation secretariat was formed to reconcile with GRS until before the next state election.
Bung Moktar earlier refuted a television news report that Sabah Umno has given its support back to GRS after ending their cooperation in January. – The Vibes, April 12, 2023
