Catholic priest also enters the ring
Published on: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Ranau: Two members of the christian clergy are contesting the May 9 elections in Sabah. One is a Roman Catholic priest while the other is a pastor.Although protestant pastors have contested in the past like Asman Nungka of Sijil Sidang Borneo (SIB) in Beluran, this is the first time that a Catholic priest is in the race.ADVERTISEMENT Rev Fr Bruno@ Andau Yasun (pic) is leaving the priesthood to pursue a political calling, which he said became clear after witnessing the hardship of the people's lives today."The situation which we could say as very pressing today has motivated me to act. We (Sabahans) are like a first-born son seemed to be sidelined especially in terms of our rights. All this is clearly voiced out by us from Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) of late.ADVERTISEMENT "This includes the issues pertaining to the MA63. This is among other reasons which pushed me towards politics," he said.Concerning his background as a Catholic priest, he said according to the church's canon law, there is no regulation which hold someone back from being involved in politics and to contest in the election.
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"Moreover there is a part within the Second Vatican Council which stated that Catholics should be involved in politics in order to fight for the rights of the people. Though it is not clearly stated, but it is implicated there that we could be involved."This, for me, is made firmer when our Holy Father stated that as a responsible Catholic, while he did not specifically mentioned that we must become a political leader, we must involve ourselves in politics," he said. After being a priest for about 27 years, Bruno said he is currently taking a sabbatical leave which he expected to be extended until further notice, and most likely be followed by his resignation from the priesthood."Actually I have applied to resign, but have yet to receive a feedback about this intention. I am determined to pursue my political calling in order to make a better future for our people," he said.Asked about the fact that three of the four candidates for the P179 Ranau Parliamentary seat are from Bundu Tuhan, Bruno said it is very good because it shows that locals here have a fighting spirit."Besides, the three of us are very close friends, so I feel that there should be no problem. It is up to each one of us to bring ourselves and to fight for our respective struggles and causes in a friendly manner," he said. For the P179 Parliamentary seat, he faces incumbent Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin from the Barisan Nasional (BN)'s United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) party.Other candidates in the four-cornered fight for the Parliamentary seat are Soudi@Sami bin Andang from Gabungan Sabah (GS)'s Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and Jonathan Yassin from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The pastor who is the other member of the clergy in the race is Satail Majungkat who is a Seventh Day Adventist.Satail is, ironically, being fielded by PAS in Kadamaian. - Clarence GD