KOTA KINABALU: KDM Malaysia has every right to become a political party, said Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) and opposition leaders.
Sabah Umno assistant secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said “this is a democratic country, everyone is free to partake in politics.”
UPKO information chief Albert Bingkasan was not surprised with KDM Malaysia’s plan to register as a political party.
“Having been in politics for about 20 years but actively since 2001, I am not surprised that NGOs became the launching pads for people to enter politics.
“KDM Malaysia has every right to do as it wishes. I respect their decision though it doesn’t mean I agree with what they, or for that matter, the more than 10 political parties which obtained their registrations recently, are doing.
“I wish them all the best. I am somehow sad though because at the back of my mind, the words ‘divide and rule’ keep cropping up. Maybe all these are maturing processes for us all, politically. My only hope, it will not be a costly experience for us, the minority in the country.
“As for me, Upko still is the best vehicle for Sabah natives, the Pasokmomogun to further progress and be counted under the Malaysian sun. I believe Upko, led by president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, will stay north bound in its struggles based on our slogan of focused, daring and sincere,” Albert said.
KDM Malaysia president Datuk Peter Anthony had during its annual general meeting on Saturday, reiterated his call on the need for KDM Malaysia to be a Barisan Nasional (BN) component party.
“KDM Malaysia is seen as a strong and vital force in determining the future of the indigenous people in Sabah. And I believe that we will have a stronger voice as a political party. I also realise that our intention may raise some discomfort amongst the existing component parties in Sabah, especially the KDM-based ones, but let us put our differences aside, and I hope they will be professional and accept us as part of the team,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Anthony said they would be submitting the reports of the AGM, along with the motions tabled, to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) by next month, before proceeding with the application to turn KDM Malaysia into a political party
Dr Roland Chia of PKR and DAP’s Dr Edwin Bosi also said that KDM Malaysia has every right to become a political party.
Chia, who is PKR national supreme council member as well as the Inanam assemblyman, said in his personal opinion, he respects the intention of KDM Malaysia, which is pro-Barisan Nasional (BN).
He added that this right, enshrined in the Constitution of the country (Article 10), guarantees Malaysians the right to form a party or an association.
However, he questioned the timing of the intention announced by the NGO’s president, Datuk Peter Anthony, on Saturday.
“The timing is questionable since BN Sabah has four political component parties representing the KadazanDusun Murut community, namely Umno, PBS, UPKO and PBRS. Are these four political component parties unable to represent the voices of the people that it necessitates the formation of another party?” asked Chia.
He added that what was paramount at the present moment for the BN government is to fulfill its election pledges as announced in its manifesto.
Chia lamented that the people were suffering economically due to the price hike of petrol and electricity tariff.
“This has resulted in higher cost of goods and services. And to add salt to injury, the imminent introduction of GST will definitely push prices up that will affect the middle and low income groups in Sabah and throughout the country,” he said.
Dr Bosi said that KDM Malaysia is a known supporter of Umno Baru.
“It is a political tool of Umno. In Umno there is no provision to allow non-Muslims in Sabah to become members. I believe KDM Malaysia members are Umno members,” he alleged.
He also said it was KDM Malaysia’s right to become a political party.
“Sabahans will be wiser this time round on which political party to follow and vote,” he said.