Jeremy, Jelani to join PBRS?

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Kurup (centre) launching the State-level Integration Week.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup has declined comment on rumours of Kadamaian assemblyman Jeremy Malazad and Matunggong assemblyman Jelani Hamdan joining his party.

“All I can say is that the majority of voters in Kadamaian and Matunggong are Kadazan Dusun Murut, so they are closer to PBRS,” he said after launching the State-level Integration Week at the Federal Building here yesterday.

Asked whether both Jeremy and Jelani had approached him to join PBRS, Kurup declined to comment.

Jeremy and Jelani recently left Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) after winning their seats on the opposition party’s ticket in the 13th general election.

It is said that during the State Assembly sitting last month, both Jeremy and Jelani had approached Luyang assemblyman Hiew King Cheu and asked him to join their newly registered party but Hiew declined.

In his speech at the event, Kurup, who is Minister in Prime Minister’s Department, said the Rukun Negara is a foundation for nation-building and is a perfect guide to unite the multi-racial community in Malaysia, especially in Sabah.

He noted that after the May 13 incident, the government had worked hard to ensure healthy development for multi-religious and multi-cultural country Malaysia.

“It is important for us to respect each other and understand the Rukun Negara to nurture unity. It also important to understand the 1Malaysia concept, as the government is very serious in promoting a new brand and identity of Malaysia as one race,” he said.

Kurup also said that the recent move by the federal government to set up a National Consultation Council that was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on November 25 showed the serious commitment to promote unity and oneness.

During the event, Kurup handed over appreciation certificates to 25 Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Watch) from all over the state for their contribution as an integration agent.

He reminded all Neighbourhood Watch in Sabah to continue their positive attitude in promoting safety and a united neighborhood.