KOTA KINABALU: KDM Malaysia president Datuk Peter Anthony should educate himself about Barisan Nasional (BN) procedures before criticising Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, for his comments opposing KDM Malaysia’s application to join the BN coalition.
Former PBS Secretary General Henrynus Amin yesterday contended that contrary to what Peter said, KDM Malaysia needs the consent of all BN component parties before the coalition can consider his application.
He said BN works and makes decisions based on consensus, and even one BN component member which disagreed can stop new political parties from joining the BN exclusive club.
Therefore, he said, Tan Sri Pairin’s statements on KDM Malaysia’s intention to join BN were fair comments and consistent with BN procedure on the matter.
“Take it from me,” he said, “unless the BN charter is changed, KDM Malaysia will have to seek permission not only from PBS but also from Upko, PBRS, LDP and all BN component political parties,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Henrynus took Peter to task for his racist remarks to insinuate KDM racial inferiority and comparing them to a particular race to justify his political ambition.
“If Peter truly has the KDM people at heart, he should either keep KDM Malaysia as an NGO for the KDM community or convert to political party but fight for the KDM cause on its own merit even if outside BN,” he said.
“Otherwise, Peter’s motive for turning KDM Malaysia into a political party and applying to join BN is politically suspect,” said Henrynus.