PCS, Anak Negeri sign political pact

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KOTA KINABALU: A political pact was signed yesterday between Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) and Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri with the ultimate goal to restore the rights, dignity and identity of the ‘Anak Negeri’ (native) or the firstborn in Sabah.

The pact is looking at the possibility of contesting in 22 to 25 seats – majority Kadazan, Dusun Murut (KDM) Momogun and mixed population in both the state and parliamentary constituencies.

During the signing ceremony between PCS President Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing and Anak Negeri President Datuk Henrynus Amin, both leaders agreed to adopt seven goals to ensure the pact was signed for the interest of overall natives in Sabah.

First, to unite Anak Negeri who are the firstborn in Sabah. Second, to contest in all state and parliamentary seats with majority or substantial Anak Negeri population. Third, to commit not to contest against each other at either state or parliamentary seats and resolve to unite under the leadership of Bumburing.

Fourth, to resolve using a common party symbol for the coming elections and adopt a common manifesto. Fifth, to cooperate with other opposition parties who share the same political ideologies both at the state and national levels, including a reasonable and acceptable procedure of seats negotiations.

Sixth, both parties agreed to act in unison for regime change in the 14th General Election both at the state and national levels. Seventh, to pave the way for a merger between PCS and Anak Negeri.

“The fight in the 14th General Election is crucial in changing the hated Barisan Nasional and preserving the dignity of the Anak Negeri of Sabah. It is therefore most important that we lead the people with sincerity and honesty. To this, leaders must be ever ready to make sacrifices.

“In political struggles, unity is very important. There is no question that our natives now are divided. Many people are thinking that it is impossible for us to be united, but today we proved them wrong.

“We prove that with sincere resolute standing upon great desire to fight for the people, humility of heart of the leaders and noble desire to struggle for the dignity of the community, we can unite people,” Bumburing said.

He added that the pact is still open to collaborating with Pakatan Harapan and even Parti Warisan Sabah, even though Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal accused him of meeting with the Prime Minister and never attacking Barisan Nasional.

He said for the sake of the people of Sabah, he is willing to overlook their past disagreements and work together with the Warisan president.

“We have already stated that no one party should be contesting in more than 50% of the total seats in Sabah.

“We are ready to negotiate with Pakatan and Warisan not only on seat distribution, but also the sharing of power while forming the next government,” he said.

In the press conference after the signing ceremony, Bumburing confirmed that he will be contesting in a state seat.

Henrynus said for too long the people of Sabah, the Anak Negeri in particular, have been subjected to the divide and rule tactic to render them politically divided, weak and powerless.

“We are a dependent society. Instead of managing ourselves, we are being managed by others. Instead of using our land and natural resources to enrich ourselves, those from outside are coming in the hundreds of thousands to exploit our land resources.

“The signing of this pact signifies a new beginning for both PCS and Anak Negeri as new allies to fight together in the political field. It is a strategic move to politically unite, consolidate and empower the Anak Negeri or the first born,” he said.

Henrynus, who was once Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament, said he would contest in Kundasang but has yet to decide if he would go for a Parliamentary seat as well.

He added that fellow opposition leaders need to be pragmatic and see the need to compromise in their effort to win GE 14.

“Our doors are not shut to Shafie Apdal and Warisan Sabah, but they must be willing to agree not to be the dominant party.

“A good politician knows when to compromise. I can also make allegations and insinuations, but I won’t retaliate.

“But we also have credible Anak Negeri personalities to be fielded. Three of them are PhD holders and several others are businessmen. We only want to see the native rights protected,” he concluded.

Some 200 members and supporters of both parties witnessed the signing ceremony.