KOTA KINABALU: The statement by Datuk John Ambrose on KDM Malaysia and its president, Datuk Peter Anthony, is inappropriate and unnecessary, said its supreme council member, Donneysius Ansuku.
According to the Kemabong Tenom branch member, the actions of KDM Malaysia under Peter’s leadership are based on plans and consensus of all its members.
“On the formation of a political party, rest assured we know the process…we do not need instructions from the past president (of KDM Malaysia),” Donneysius said in making reference to Ambrose as Peter’s predecessor.
“It was me who suggested for KDM Malaysia to turn from an NGO to a political party and to join the BN. The motion was passed unanimously at our AGM last month, before Peter announced it publicly. However, no changes have been made yet. It remains only a suggestion for now. Ambrose should not be so concerned to the extent of asking Peter to leave Umno. When the time comes, we know what to do, just wait and see,” Donneysius said in a press statement issued here yesterday.
He said the statement by Ambrose equating Peter to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the latter’s lust for power and publicity is unfounded.
“Peter won unopposed last year in a legitimate AGM. He took over the presidency after Ambrose failed to be nominated, supposedly for losing the trust of the members.
“And, Ambrose was in denial when he brought the matter to court. He tried to use the court to gain a ruling. I would say it is he who is crazy for power. He should realise that it is the people or the members that hold the power to elect the president,” said Donneysius.
Meanwhile, according to its records, KDM Malaysia has conducted more than 40 main activities administered by KDM Central. These did not include many other activities conducted at the district level.
“Less than half of these activities were published in the media although all of them carried news value content. With or without media support, Peter went ahead to implement the activities as planned.
“The accusations by Ambrose that Peter is crazy for publicity is totally unfounded. Peter is the kind of leader who goes to the ground to fulfil his corporate social responsibility.
“He is willing to personally undertake expense for the organisation’s activities. This was not the same when Ambrose was president. He rarely went to the ground and that is why the members lost their faith in him,” said Donneysius.
Towards this end, he said, Ambrose does not have to continue to pry into KDM Malaysia’s affairs.
“KDM Malaysia has undergone many challenges. It continues to gain favour and support from the community under Peter’s leadership and our objective is to help the community, especially the KDMs,” said Donneysius.