KOTA KINABALU: Karambunai assemblywoman Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid claimed that the reason Penampang member of parliament Darell Leiking left PKR was because he had stopped believing in the PKR’s struggle.
“Concerning the new party headed by Shafie (former Umno vice president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal) and Darell (former PKR vice president), they haven’t announced the name (of the new political party) yet nor the policy of their struggle.
“What is certain is that Darell left PKR to join Shafie proving that he has lost his confidence in the PKR’s fight/struggle which he joined in 2008 and was selected and won under the PKR ticket during the last general election,” said Jainab when contacted by the Borneo Post yesterday.
“It is obvious that Darell left Keadilan to be with Shafie to head the new party. Whatever his excuse maybe, it is obvious that Darell was promised a senior position and, hence his action was for his own self-interest,” she added.
Jainab however said that the country would not stop individuals from forming their own political party.
“Any individuals, including disappointed former Umno or PKR leaders have their right to form a new political party,” she said.
“Malaysia is a democratic country and the law allows anyone to register a new party,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Umno Youth vice chief Shahelmy Yahya felt that Darell’s action to leave the party showed the lack of understanding among members of the opposition party.
“His action also shows that differences in aims/objectives among the party members, particularly the leaders,” he said.
“As a young and talented leader, Darell’s departure is expected to impact on the support garnered from the younger generation in Penampang towards PKR,” he said.
PKR Api-Api assemblywoman Christina Liew opined that despite Darell’s departure from PKR, he was joining another Sabah-based opposition party.
“You will note that his struggle remains the same which is to fight for the rights of Sabah and for Sabahans. That is the important issue,” she said.
Liew added that PKR would work with all parties which share the same aspirations and wished Darell success in his struggle for the people and for Sabah.
On the possibility that Darell’s move would split votes for the opposition in Penampang, she expressed that the people were mature enough to understand.
When asked if PKR has any candidates in mind to replace Darell during the next coming election, she said that it was still too early to talk about the matter.
PKR Sabah chief Datuk Lajim Haji Ukin declined to comment on Darell’s move.