Matunggong rep Jelani to form new party

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KOTA KINABALU: Nearly two months afteer quitting Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Matunggong assemblyman Datuk Jelani Hamdan has finally announced the possibility of setting up a new party.

Jelani, who won his seat under a PKR ticket in the 13th general election in May last year, disclosed that he wished to apply as part of the Barisan Nasional component party.

He, however, left it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is BN chairman, and Chief Minister cum Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Musa Aman to decide on whether to accept his application or otherwise.

“We understand the BN rules and regulation but we will still try to submit our application,” he said yesterday, adding that he would be leading a delegation of veteran Rungus leaders, including former people’s representatives and community heads from the Matunggong area to pay a courtesy call on Najib and Musa.

He said both leaders had agreed to the courtesy call.

Touching on Parti Bersatu Sabah vice president Datuk Daniel Kinsik’s statement, urging BN not to take Jelani into the coalition, the latter stressed that anyone was free to share their opinions.

“Whether I am accepted or not depends on the Prime Minister’s decision as the BN chairman. He knows what to do because he witnessed us all leave Pakatan Rakyat and support BN,” he said.

On the criticism by one Wells Mogium. Jelani asked: “Who is Wells Mogium, and which party is he from?”

Jelani stressed that he did not wish to deliberate on the issue for long and believed that focus should be given to developing and strengthening their presence in his constituency.

He is confident that the people’s support for him remains, judging from the number of attendees at the Christmas and Thanksgiving Open House in Matunggong recently.

Jelani claimed that over 5,000 people attended the event, describing it as out of expectation, and a sign of their support although he had expressed intention of supporting BN.