Penampang MP leaving PKR for Shafie's party

KOTA KINABALU - Penampang MP Darell Leiking has quit PKR to join former Umno vice-president Datuk Shafie Apdal's new Sabah-based party.

"I left PKR recently. I did not announce it. I am not like others who make big announcements," Leiking told The Star.

"I have spoken to PKR president (Datuk Seri Dr) Wan Azizah (Wan Ismail) and given her my views, which she respected and I also respected her views," he said.

The first-term MP who was a PKR vice-president said he had also informed key PKR members of his resignation.

Leiking said he would team up with Shafie and other Sabah opposition leaders.

"There is no change in our stand as long as we want to save Sabah.

"We will be working with all forces. We are not here to fight the Opposition," he said.

"Our cause is the same. We want a new deal for the Malaysian federation," he added.

Leiking was with Shafie at the Registrar of Societies building in Putrajaya on Thursday to discuss the taking over of the Sabah party. Also with them was Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong, who has quit Umno.

On the party which Shafie was taking over, Leiking said it was not Usno Baru but a multi-racial Sabah-based party.