(From left) Yong, Sia, Tan, Jamit, Kong, Yiap and Edward inspect the drainage system.
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah regrets the rumours that its president, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, would be rejoining Umno. Party information chief Karim Adam in a statement yesterday said the speculation was spread by irresponsible quarters.
“The speculation is not new, it has been around ever since Lajim formed Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah almost a year ago. The rumour mongers are worried about the increasing support for Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah under Lajim’s leadership,” he said.
Karim added that Parti Harapan Sabah believed the dirty tactics would not weaken Lajim and the party leaders’ resolve to bring change and fight for the interest of Sabahans.
“Lajim has also repeatedly stressed that the party would be fighting for Sabah and its rights through Gabungan Sabah with SAPP, STAR and PPRS,” Karin said, adding that Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah was ready to go against Umno in the 14th general election.
The speculation came about when Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak called for a special press conference on Sunday afternoon.
It gave rise to several speculations from Najib who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman announcing the 14th general election date to several former Umno leaders returning to the party. Among them were Lajim and Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
Shafie who was contacted yesterday to confirm the rumour replied: “Definitely not me.”
The press conference which had everyone on the edge of their seats, was actually to announce the return of former Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhamad Taib to Umno.