Datuk Bung Moktar Radin
PENAMPANG: Sabah Umno chief Datuk Bung Moktar Radin revealed that Sabah BN/Umno had unofficially discussed with the leadership of PBS to work together for Kimanis by-election next month.
The Election Commission has announced Jan 18 as the polling day.
Bung said although the discussion was not official, it resulted in positive response to continue further discussions on how to strengthen the collaboration.
“I am confirming that there is a discussion among us, and it will be followed up with official talk and I am confident that there will be a positive result in the collaboration, just like our support for PBS during the Sandakan by-election,” he said when attending PBS Christmas open house at Hongkod Koisaan, here on Wednesday.
Bung, who is also Umno Supreme Council member, said that in response to a statement by Sabah Cultural Board chairman Datuk Ismaily Bungsu in his social media that PBS would never collaborate with Umno because the party is from Malaya, and corrupt.
“It is just his (Ismaily’s) perception, in fact Umno and PBS had worked together during the Sandakan by-election.
“His statement, saying Umno is from Malaya is also irrelevant because Bersatu, PKR and DAP are his party’s (Warisan’s) allies and they are from Malaya,” he said.
Bung added that the next discussion would surely achieve a consensus because PBS also has the same goal, that is, to oppose Warisan’s attempt to create Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) that would bring social and future implications to the people of Sabah.
Meanwhile, PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Miximus Ongkili said his party had not made any decision whether to contest in Kimanis or not, although Sabah Umno had already hinted the party would not do so.
According to Ongkili, PBS is still assessing the sentiments of the people in Kimanis.
“Actually, we have been discussing (with Sabah Umno) but it was not official, and we will make a decision before the nomination day.
“Kimanis is a multiracial constituency, and a political party like us will always have a place there,” he said during the event.
Asked wether PBS would be supporting Sabah Umno like what happened in the Sandakan by-election, Ongkili said the candidate must meet certain criteria before having their support.
“PBS will support a candidate or a party that will fight for the state’s rights, especially Malaysia Agreement 1963, promise to ensure Sabah is safe from illegal immigrants and, of course, opposing PSS,” he added.
“If Umno’s candidate meets these criteria, we will support them,” he concluded.