Sabah PKR open to working with Pakatan, says Liew
Published on: Sunday, January 21, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR is willing to discuss possible cooperation with Pakatan Harapan in facing the coming elections and the indications are good "unlike some parties which think they can form the State Government singlehandedly". Its Chief Christina Liew (pic) said the impending 14th General Election is the right time for change, claiming that the people are tired of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN)."If the electorate is serious about change, it is incumbent upon them as voters to come out in full force and vote for the party that can effect the change. In the event of vote-splitting (through too many opposition parties), this change will be impossible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Liew was responding to a claim the opposition in Sabah will lose on the basis that it is in disarray, the election machinery is weak and are not financially strong compared with Sabah BN."I think it is hypothetical and speculative because we (Pakatan Harapan Sabah) are not competing with BN in terms of election machinery and financial strength. Of course BN is financially strong and I do not dispute this because they have the people's money in their pocket. We don't," she quipped. Liew, who is Pakatan Harapan Sabah Chairperson, further said PH was offering the people an alternative government since they have been "suffering for 54 years. "We are now talking about the rakyat's democratic rights. A vote for PH is a vote for the future of the people, the future of their children and the future of the nation."
ADVERTISEMENT
Opposition Parti Warisan chose not to join the PH Sabah electoral pact comprising Sabah PKR, DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (PAN). The other Sabah opposition comprises Gabungan that includes SAPP, Parti Harapan Rakyat and Star. Parti Anak Negeri and Parti Cinta Sabah are the other opposition factions, besides PAS. Liew also described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announcement of an RM8.5 million allocation to upgrade the Donggongon Tamu and that there will be more goodies if BN wins giving sweets to kids.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Where was he when the people were suffering from the big floods in Penampang? Why must it take five years to visit the people in Donggongon? Why only now when the 14th GE is around the corner?"What if Barisan Nasional (BN) win but don't fulfil the promise? That would mean the people will have to wait for another five years. The rakyat have suffered enough."Liew opined it would have been more impactful if the PM were to make announcements relating to improvement of the water and electricity utilities in Sabah so that the pipes laid in some areas are not waterless, and that the frequent blackouts will become a thing of the past. Liew, who is Api Api Assemblywoman, said despite the constraints, Sabah PKR is very prepared in terms of election machinery even if the election were to be held tomorrow. "Even as I am talking now, our team is all over the 25 divisions. Every day our PKR team is deployed to every kawasan (constituency). The same applies to DAP and Amanah."Asked on the foreseeable multi-cornered fights, she said nobody knows what is going to happen until Nomination Day or on the eve of the election but PH is trying hard to minimise contests of this nature. "That is why we are focusing and still talking to one or two other Opposition parties outside Pakatan Harapan. Nothing is final yet."As far as PH is concerned, she is confident that the component parties will be helping each other out. "We will be working as a team to face this Mother of all Elections. It's now or never!"On January 24, Muhyiddin, who is the Chairman of PH Election Committee, will hold a press conference cum breakfast with the Sabah media fraternity at the Hilton Hotel at 8am before returning to Kuala Lumpur. "All are invited," Liew said. She also said Pakatan Harapan Deputy President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will be in Sabah on Jan. 23 for a closed-door meeting with PH leaders.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
