Sabah PKR Youth, Women want Sangkar to continue
Published on: Thursday, March 21, 2024
By: Jonathan Nicholas
Zaidi (right) and Noriha (centre) at the press conference.
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR Youth and Women wings asserted support for Datuk Dr Sangkar Rasam to continue leading the party as state chairman at least until his term ends in June 2025.
PKR Sabah Youth Chief Zaidi Jatil said the action of the 15 Sabah division chiefs demanding Sangkar to step down from the post on Monday was uncalled for.
ADVERTISEMENT
“They never voiced the issue during any of the five meetings held in 2023.
“They should have relayed their decision through the proper channel instead of calling a press conference out of the blue.
“We had a meeting on Sunday to discuss seats but suddenly they called for the state chairman to step down which is inappropriate.
“We are democratic, everyone is allowed to voice opinions, but in this case we leave it to the disciplinary bureau and central leadership.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The appointment was PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s prerogative to which we have no qualms. If the president himself doesn’t want a change, then who are we to say.
“If the 15 division chiefs don’t respect the party’s constitution, then at least have some respect for Sangkar who has been a longstanding member,” he told a press conference at the Sabah PKR headquarters in Tanjung Aru, Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is not the first faction war for PKR Sabah. In the previous state elections, Zaidi said some members wanted Datuk Christina Liew to step down and now it is Sangkar’s turn.
He reminded that Christina served until her term ended.
On the claims that Sangkar had done nothing to solidify the party, Zaidi said it was slander.
“It’s not a good excuse.
Many programmes were held, moreover, that are the job of the bureaus. PKR has gotten good response from the grassroots and its presence has become more powerful,” he said.
On Pensiangan chief Raymond Ahuar’s statement that Sangkar has a bad relationship with the State Government resulting in no political appointments for PKR members, Zaidi said the burden does not fully rest on Sangkar.
“It is actually the job of division chiefs and their relationship with respective assemblymen or district leaders. It is senseless to expect the chairman to go down and negotiate in every district.
“Besides, Semporna division chief Amin Mem has denied any involvement in the signing of the purported statutory declarations.
“This rebellion is only out of personal interest. Conflicts of interests are normal in politics but to the point of having internal fractures is too much. Come let us unite and strengthen the party,” he urged.
Zaidi, who is PKR also Kota Marudu youth chief, said he still keeps a professional relationship with Kota Marudu chief Sazalye Donol who was the spokesperson during the press conference.
PKR Sabah Women’s Chief Noriha Yakub, meanwhile, said among programmes hosted by Sangkar were food basket donations to the community and state-wide tours, including Labuan.
“It has raised our camaraderie while assistance provided by Sangkar has gained us popularity among the grassroots.
“Whatever claims made is for selfish gain only to disrupt our preparedness in the coming elections,” she said.
Meanwhile, both wings are targeting a minimum of three seats each in coming state elections.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
