“STAR Sabah welcomes Datuk
Seri Panglima Wilfred Bumburing’s decision to resign as Tuaran Barisan Nasional
chief and hopes that he will eventually leave the BN and take pro-active action
to take on BN and fight for Sabah’s rights,” stated Edward Linggu, Star Sabah
Information Chief in a press statement released yesterday.
"We hope that Bumburing
is sincere in his actions in leaving the BN and his departure is not due to
other reasons as rumoured that he is leaving because he is not expected to be
re-nominated to defend his Tuaran seat.
"We also trust that he
will also leave behind all his government posts to show his sincerity as the
people will view with suspicion if he leaves one leg still inside the BN state
government.
Similarly, we trust that
many of his other Upko leaders that will be leaving with him are leaving to
fight for Sabah’s rights and not due to the reason that their departures are
due to non-candidacy as they are from areas which are traditionally non-Upko
seats and cannot be candidates.
While his departure from BN
is not unexpected as rumours have been swirling for several months, the latest
rumours appear that many other BN leaders including from Sabah Umno will also
be leaving to join the opposition. If
they all are sincere to seek the restoration of Sabah’s rights and autonomy, it
augurs well for Sabah’s future.
As we have been saying all
along even from UBF days, Sabah leaders need to re-emphasize their priorities
to defend Sabah’s position and autonomy as an independent nation-state within
Malaysia and not rely on outsiders.
In addition, Sabah’s status
is one of the original 4 equal partners that agreed to form Malaysia in 1963
and Sabah did not join as one of the 13 states.
"We trust that
Bumburing will be clear on Sabah’s status as an equal partner in Malaysia with
Malaya and Sarawak."
The scenario of the 2008
general elections will likely be similar in the forthcoming 13th general
elections with Sabah and Sarawak playing the role as kingmakers in determining
who forms the federal government in Putrajaya.
Sabah leaders need to
leverage on this position and utilize this window of opportunity to support
STAR Sabah’s Borneo Agenda as well as to change the BN state and federal
governments and seek the restoration of Sabah’s rights and autonomy.
"We trust that
Bumburing will join Star Sabah in coalition and stand united to restore Sabah’s
rights and autonomy within the federation of Malaysia and not fall into the
trap of divide and rule policies of Peninsular parties."
No comments:
Post a Comment