KOTA KINABALU: Beluran Umno division chief Datuk James Ratib claimed that the July 10 meeting with the Prime Minister supposedly to discuss socio-economic issues was hijacked by a few irresponsible division chiefs.
“I never realised that my attendance was pawned by this group with ultra motives when they raised the proposed smooth transition of the state leadership with the Prime Minister during the controversial meeting attended by eight Umno division chiefs,” James stressed.
He confirmed that he was among the division chiefs in the meeting which was supposed to discuss issues relating to socio-economic and other developmental matters in their respective constituencies as suggested prior to the trip.
“Prior to our trip, I was called and invited by one of the members to join the group to meet the Prime Minister. I thought it was wise to join the group because it’s a rare opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, especially to present to him a list of development projects in my constituency as what I promised during the 13th general election,” he said, adding that he never realised that the invitation would make use of his presence during the meeting as supporting the proposed transition of state leadership in Sabah.
“They even let me sign a letter to the Prime Minister requesting for development funds, especially for Sugut constituency”.
He added that during last year’s 13th general election, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had proven his leadership quality by securing almost 100 per cent state and parliamentary seats.
“Datuk Musa has proven his leadership quality by bringing political, economic and security stability in Sabah,” he
said.
He hoped that his statement will clear the air that his attendance in the meeting with the Prime Minister was not to discuss and change the leadership in
Sabah.
James made the statement in response to Sepanggar Umno division chief Jumat Idris who mentioned that he was among the group present at the meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the proposed transition of state leadership in Sabah.
He clarified that among the eight division chiefs, only three or four chiefs took part in the discussion of the proposed transition of leadership with the Premier.
“I wanted to walk out from the meeting upon listening to the discussion. However, as a respect to the Prime Minister I decided to stay,” he added.
James agreed with Sabah Umno deputy liaison chief Datuk Seri Sallah Said that the appointment of Chief Minister is the prerogative of the Prime Minister and as far as he knows, the Chief Minister enjoys the full trust and confidence of the Premier, Sabah Umno and Sabah BN component parties as well as the people of Sabah.
“The issue of state leadership transition as mooted by a few division chiefs does not arise and uncalled for. I support the leadership of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Sabah,” he said.
On Monday, the Umno Kudat Division also described the recent discussion between the Prime Minister and eight party division chiefs to facilitate a smooth transition of the state leadership when the time comes as uncalled for and total waste of time and efforts.
Umno Kudat division chief Datuk Bolkiah Ismail clarified that the July 10 meeting was supposed to discuss socio-ecomic issues and other developmental matters in their respective constituencies.
He also revealed that as far as he is concerned, it was not the Prime Minister who invited the group. Instead it was the group’s own initiative to meet the Prime Minister.