Gerakan seeking SAPP’s help to deny GRS seats in next polls
Published on: Monday, October 30, 2023
By: Jonathan Nicholas
Dominic (seated at centre) with Alexander and others
Kota Kinabalu: Gerakan President Datuk Dr Dominic Lau said SAPP has to make clear its position with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) since it is part of the ruling unity government at state level and with the opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN) at the national level.
He said it is banking on SAPP to wrest at least one parliamentary and two state assembly seats in Sabah the next state elections for PN, of which Gerakan is part.
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“We had a heart to heart talk with SAPP in sharing common goals and strategies to go about the elections,” he told a press conference.
SAPP President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee came under criticism for politically sleeping with the enemy (PN) while at the same time enjoying the perks that came with being part of the GRS State Government, as a Nominated Assemblyman and Chairman of POIC.
Dominic said it would also be working with another Nominated Sabah Assemblyman Aliakbar Gulasan of PAS.
PAS is also part of PN but lost its deposits in every state election. However, they were given a Nominated seat because GRS members were previously in Bersatu, which was part of PN.
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Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had decided not to disturb the arrangement although the political landscape in Sabah had changed following the formation of the Unity government.
Asked if it would contest Tanjung Papat and Elopura Dominic said it would be considered given proper candidates.
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When told that Gerakan’s relevance in Sabah was in doubt and the fact that it was also rejected in the Penang state election, he said: “Gerakan has always been relevant in Sabah but wants to become more relevant.
Within three years, we want to set up all 25 parliamentary divisions throughout Sabah.” He claimed the party has 16,000 members in Sabah with seven active divisions: Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Putatan and Sepanggar
“Our task is to convince non-malays and non-muslims to support Perikatan Nasional. Negative perception happens through poor or weak communication.
“We have already formed an interfaith committee headed by Kulim Assemblyman Wong Chia Zhen to change negative perceptions towards Perikatan especially towards PAS.
“After the Kemaman by elections we will get the president of PAS have dialogue sessions with non-Malays and non-Muslims through a series of activities.
“They say there is no pork or alcohol in Kelantan. All this is not true but why do people still believe it. These are dirty techniques by Pakatan Harapan towards Perikatan Nasional.
“I believe those who have truly went to Kelantan know that it contains the biggest Buddha statue in Malaysia. Explain why non-Muslims are living happily in Kelantan and Terengganu,” he said.
Sabah Gerakan Chairman Datuk Alexander Lo Su Hyen meanwhile challenged Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to pull out of the Unity Government and switch sides since MA63 issues remain resolved.
“Many leaders still complain the budget for Sabah and Sarawak is insufficient,” he said.
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