BN Sabah regrets Lajim’s move to join opposition

4

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan has expressed regret over the announcement by Umno Supreme Council member and Beaufort chief Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Okin that he would be joining an opposition party and was ready to be sacked by Umno.

Nevertheless, he said, BN Beaufort will now be able to formulate strategies with clear direction, without being bogged down by uncertainties in the last few months created by overdramatised political power play by certain parties.

“I must emphasise that BN’s success in developing this country in the last 50 years is not due to individual personalities. It is the collective wisdom of all BN leaders which made it happen,” Abdul Rahman said.

“In the next general election, the people of Sabah will vote for progress, development, peace and security which are the cornerstones of Barisan Nasional government under the able leadership of YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman,” he said.

“Both leaders have rolled out many successful and effective programmes to reduce poverty, help the poor, increase economic activities, provide employment and business opportunities as well as giving more democratic space to all Malaysians.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin said Lajim, being a politician, has his own stand.

Asked if this had been discussed at the party-level, Yahya said it was up to the leadership to decide on the action to be taken following the latest development. Meanwhile, PAS said it is ready to accept Lajim, who is also Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister and the Member of Parliament for Beaufort.”PAS welcomes him (Lajim) to continue his political struggle with PAS and Pakatan Rakyat,” said Sabah PAS Youth chief Lahirul Latigu yesterday.

“PAS looks forward to Beaufort member of parliament Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin’s next course of action if he is sacked by Umno.

“He (Lajim) has already admitted that PR is able to make changes and corrects the distortions made by Umno. PAS is grateful for his views,” he said.

Lahirul also said PAS would readily accept other politicians and community leaders regardless of their position and background.

He said PAS had shown its openness and willingness to admit anyone who was interested to join the party.

“PAS has gone through numerous experiences. The party also accepts professionals such as doctors, lawyers and ordinary people who want to join PAS. We never block the entry of such people to our party,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lajim was reported by a local paper as saying during a gathering at the home of former Kuala Penyu assemblyman Datuk John Ghani in Labuan that he was ready to be sacked from Umno.

He said he would consider the view of his supporters as to which of the opposition parties he should join.