KOTA KINABALU: Forty KDM Malaysia members from Kampung Kelatuan here joined Umno Kimanis and pledged their loyalty and support to the party before division chief Datuk Seri Anifah Aman on Saturday.
Among the 40 was Parti Warisan Sabah vice president Datuk Peter Anthony’s elder brother, Paul.
Paul, 55, said he chose to join Umno because he knew what the party and Barisan Nasional (BN) can do for the people.
“I am a full-time fisherman and the BN government has always looked after my welfare as well as that of my fellow fishermen. We received living allowance, fuel subsidy and training among others,” Paul said.
Speaking to reporters at his home in Kampun Kelatuan where the simple ceremony of joining Umno was held, Paul said he had never joined any political party before opting to become an Umno member.
“We, who are joining Umno today, were all members of KDM Malaysia. But the NGO seems to be no longer in existence with Peter joining Warisan. We did not want to follow him so we opted to join Umno,” said Paul who is the fifth of nine siblings.
When asked if Peter had tried to coax him to join Warisan, Paul said an attempt was made through another sibling, Lazarus last year but he declined the invitation to help make the party stronger.
“I told him that enough is enough, you have made a fool out of me for so long. I am sorry but it is time for us to follow our own political ideology. I am joining Umno and supporting the (BN) government, I do not want to follow you all anymore,” Paul said about his reply to Lazarus.
He also said that he was extremely disappointed with Peter, who is the eighth sibling in their family for allegedly not being concerned about his well-being and welfare.
Paul claimed that Peter had neglected their family in Kampung Kelatuan.
“He is afraid of me and would just drive past my house without even stopping to ask about my well-being. I recognise his vehicle. Peter helps his supporters and cronies but not his own family,” he claimed.
“So why should I join Warisan when it has never helped me? I choose Umno and BN because they have made life easier for me and my family,” he said.