KOTA KINABALU: In a surprise move, Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim re-opened the door for cooperation with the opposition Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP).
The opposition leader who is hoping to capitalise on voter discontent in the state, told Sabah PR leaders to continue talking with SAPP president Yong Teck Lee.
He said the gesture was in view of the fact that SAPP supports PR’s policy and leadership, unlike the Sabah State Reform Party (Sabah Star) which has always opposed the opposition.
He told reporters this during a press conference held at PPPS head Lajim Ukin’s residence in Likas, near here, on Friday.
Anwar’s change of tone came as a surprise to many as, only two weeks ago, he announced during his visit to Sabah that Pakatan Rakyat would not engage in any more talks with local opposition parties.
He charged that SAPP and Sabah STAR are untrustworthy and that PR would instead focus on solidifying its agenda in Sabah together with its local allies Pertubuhan Pakatan Perubahan Sabah (PPPS) and Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS).
Touching on Tuaran PKR chief Ansari Abdullah’s proposed candidates’, Anwar promised “it will be given a serious consideration”.
He said PKR deputy president Azmin Ali is in constant communication with Ansari on the matter and said that no public announcement would be made to avoid misunderstandings.
“We will take the proposal positively, especially with the discussions with APS and PPPS still ongoing. They are worried that their proposals are being ignored.
“But we never forget and ignore any proposals and suggestions. I have also told them that we will consider and we accept it as serious suggestions,” he said.
Unresolved issues
Ansari controversially announced that prominent surgeon and activist Dr Chong Eng Leong would be Pakatan’s candidate in Sepanggar, Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Jonathan Yassin (Ranau).
Anwar said the delay in announcing the Sabah PKR candidate line-ups for the 13th general election was due to “unresolved issues” and overlapping claims by Pakatan coalition parties in at least six state seats.
“The decisions (on candidacies) will be made by the state leaders, unless there is any conflict, then we (the top leaderships) will look into it. However, about 90% of the decision are made by the Sabah leadership.
“We will listen to all opinions seriously because they have been working in the grassroots for many years, but I must remind that we are choosing election candidates and not division chiefs. All factors must be taking into account.
“Once decisions are made, they will then ‘instruct’ me to make the announcement,” said Anwar, adding that the candidates’ list will be announced in stages.
He also described the existing relationship between PKR, APS and PPPS as “special and important” because the candidates from their allies would be using the PKR symbol in the GE13. He also stressed that it was also important to maintain the friendship with PAS and Democratic Action Party.
He said they have learned from the previous experiences, and that the people today are moropen and exposed to information.
“They want to see qualified Member of Parliament (MP) and Adun (assemblyman) (to represent them). Being popular does not qualify you to become a MP and Adun, but you may be suitable for other posts, like that at the Municipal Council.
“But one of the most important factor to becoming a candidate is the ability to support the Party’s struggle and loyalty, especially in facing a giant party like BN, as they have funds,” he said.
Anwar added that it was a normal trend come election, especially attempts to buy potential candidates – those who are not likely nominated will fetch lower price, the number will increase when one is nominated, and the stakes will grow higher if the candidate wins the seat for BN in the election.
Also present was APS chief Wilfred Bumburing.
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