Gerakan's shopping spree

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah-based parties are no more needed in the State Barisan Nasional government simply because they have lost autonomy power, claimed Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).

Information Chief, Chong Pit Fah said even the entries of Datuk Raymond Tan, Elopura Assemblyman, Au Kam Wah and now Datuk Peter Pang all who are Chinese leaders into Gerakan had been arranged by Umno leaders.

"Raymond Tan and Au Kam Wah announcement joining Gerakan was made during Prime Minister Datuk Najib Tun Razak’s visit to Sabah," he said, adding that Pang in announcing his entry into Gerakan had also thanked the Prime Minister for giving his "blessing" for the move.

Pang had left Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) last year following a spat with his party leadership who had expressed no-confidence in Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman’s leadership.

"Now most Chinese YBs having ministerial post in the state cabinet are from KL-based party …this is a big insult to the local based party," said Chong in a statement here.

"What is the local parties stand now that they seemed to be of no more relevance to the BN?

How could KL-based party leaders address Sabah local Chinese issues if their political masters are not from here?" he asked.

Chong said the latest development had also created confusion especially among the Chinese community in Sabah as they must be wondering who is the leader representing them in the Cabinet.

"If the Muslims have Musa and Umno, while the KDM have Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan as their leader then who is the leader for the Chinese community?" he asked.

Chong believed the Deputy Chief Minister’s post for the Chinese quota would not be given to Gerakan, which is considered as a junior BN component party and only getting their elected representatives from "YB pungut-pungut" that they picked up from here and there.

"Despite suffering a humiliating defeat in the 2008 General Election when including its party president also lost, Gerakan is very lucky because now they have six elected representatives after getting three YB pungut-pungut from Sabah," quipped Chong.