Sabahan singer withdraws application to join Perkasa

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Jimmy Palikat

KOTA KINABALU: Local singer Jimmy Palikat has come clean about his application to join Perkasa, a move which received negative backlash and criticism from his fans and Sabahans in general.

Jimmy admitted to applying to join the non-governmental Malay supremacy organization but stressed that his intention was sincere as he wanted to spread his career as an artist through Perkasa members who are fellow artists.

The ‘Tanak Kampung’ singer said that he never harboured any intention to get involved in Perkasa’s political struggles because, as he put it, “I am not a politician.”

In a statement yesterday, Jimmy made the admission of applying to join Perkasa which was widely published and spread through various media, including social networks, recently.

“Regretfully, my application to become a Perkasa member was misinterpreted and it was made to look like I also support the organisation’s stand on several issues which have angered some of our community, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

“I understand and appreciate their sensitivity and as an ‘Orang Sabah’ (Sabahan) I am still holding firm to the stand as an ‘Orang Sabah’ who has high tolerance in race and religious relations.

“I have sought the opinions and advice of friends, family and Sabahan leaders. After taking into account all that, I have decided to withdraw my application to join Perkasa with immediate effect,” he said.

Jimmy added that his career and struggles as an artiste began in Sabah and while his career had spread throughout the country, Sabah remained his beloved state.

“I am proud to be Sabahan and the support of fellow Sabahans as well as Malaysians has helped me to be where I am now career-wise. I am grateful to all of them for their continuous support and I would like to assure them that I will not take make any decision or action that is not in line with their hopes and aspiration,” he said.

Jimmy also said that he appreciated all the constructive criticisms given as it would help him become a better person.

He also stressed that he holds in high regard the cultural and racial as well as religious tolerance that has been the practice of communities in Sabah.

“I have never forgotten myself or my roots,” he said.