KENINGAU: The Bingkor and Liawan divisions of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) yesterday slammed the statement issued by Amanah Keningau requesting party president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan not to contest in the forthcoming general election.
They described the statement as disrespectful towards Pairin, who they claimed has done a lot for Keningau.
Liawan PBS divisional head Datuk Jake Jikulin Nointin said the decision who will and who will not contest in the elections is the prerogative of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Nointin said, “it is not Amanah’s right to say for Pairin to contest or not.
“The fact that Keningau still need Pairin’s leadership and service, the party members and the people in Liawan and Bingkor will give him our strong support,” he said.
He added that the statement made by Amanah Keningau would instead instill confidence into the electorate to ensure the Huguan Siou win by a larger majority.
Meanwhile, Bingkor PBS divisional head Peter Jino Allion issued a stern warning to Amanah Keningau not to intervene in the internal matter of the party.
“Bingkor and Liawan are two state constituencies under the Keningau parliamentary constituency popularly known as a PBS stronghold since 1985,” he said.