KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will open it door to former PKR members and leaders who subscribe to PBS’ political struggle of defending the rights of Sabah and promoting national unity, fighting for progress and socio-economic development.
“The PBS invitation is an open invitation, including to Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan if he was to consider his option to strengthen unity within the Kadazandusun and Murut community through PBS and Barisan Nasional,” said PBS secretary-general Datuk Henrynus Amin yesterday.
Henrynus said that PBS was not surprised by the recent development in PKR as the rift within the party was an open secret.
He noted that the exodus of top Kadazandusun and Murut leaders from PKR who were disheartened by the way they were treated by the KL-based opposition party speaks for itself.”
“There is no need to add more as Dr Jeffery Kitingan’s departure from PKR with most of the Kadazandusun and Murut leaders has reinforced lingering suspicions that all is not well within the opposition camp,” said Henrynus in a statement.
“I am amused by the PKR Secretary General’s remarks that Dr Jeffrey’s departure had little impact on the opposition support in Sabah,” he said, adding that PBS expected more PKR Kadazandusun and Murut members and leaders to quit the opposition party.
Henrynus said PBS’ political agenda of defending the state’s rights and uniting the various indigenous communities as well as bringing development to the people is already part of the BN national agenda.
“But the people of Sabah must be united to achieve their dream of the desired state-federal relationship.”
“The Kadazandusun and Murut agenda would not be achieved if the community as a whole continue to be disunited and fragmented. Let us be united and fight for the noble cause with one voice.
“I am acutely aware unity is about political processes that require constructive engagement, commitment and hard works from all Sabahans at all level, he said.
“I am urging these former PKR leaders and supporters to unite and consolidate under the BN through PBS,” Henrynus, the former Kinabalu (now Ranau) MP added.
According to him, PBS had no problem with the Borneo agenda as long as they were fought with moderation and within the bounds of the law.
PBS was confident that the Borneo agenda could be achieved if Sabahans were united with one voice even within the BN umbrella, he said, adding that the BN under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as Prime Minister is experiencing a rebirth with new and bold ideas such as the 1Malaysia concept, government and economic transformation programs, new economic model, NKRA, NKEA, etc.
He said the Kadazandusun and Murut community should give the PM a chance.
While PBS fully subscribes to the PM’s politics of moderation, the party was prepared to boldly voice issues close to the hearts of the people of Sabah, Henrynus assured.