SABAH PKR BEATS ANWAR & AZMIN

TEST....This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy, says Ansari Abdullah.

By : FMT STAFF

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR, pre-empting any likely ‘hijacking’ by Kuala Lumpur, hurriedly announced its seven candidates for the state’s west coast region.

Tuaran PKR Chief, Ansari Abdullah said Sabah PKR had “taken the liberty” of making the announcement based on an earlier promise by Pakatan Rakyat leaders, including Anwar Ibrahim, of giving “autonomy” for the state coalition’s decisions.

He said the candidates were himself for Tuaran constituency and surgeon-activist-author Dr Chong Eng Leong for Sepanggar.

Others were Mazhry Nasir (Putatan), Anthony Mandiau (Kota Marudu), Mursalim Tanjul (Kudat), Saidil Semoi (Kota Belud) and Johanathan Yassin (Ranau).

When unveiling the list late yesterday in Sabah PKR headquarters in Penampang, Ansari said: “We have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions.

“This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test.

“We are very confident that Anwar and the party leaderships of PAS and DAP will honour their commitment that matters involving Sabah will be decided by Sabahans.

Also present were the seven ‘proposed’ candidates and other PKR divisional chiefs.

According to Ansari, the candidates had been identified as far back as two years ago, and their backgrounds had been “thoroughly vetted.”

He added that the candidates’ respective divisions had also endorsed them.

Widespread resentment

On possible disputes arising with Pakatan partners PAS and DAP over the candidates, Ansari said the seven divisions had taken a common stand and passed a resolution that “other Pakatan components and allies” should not contest in any of these seven constituencies.

The consensus is seen as a direct response to seat demands by Pakatan’s new local allies Wilfred Bumburing’s APS Sabah and Lajim Ukin’s PPS. Both Bumburing and Lajim are former Barisan Nasional MPs who defected in July last year in support for Anwar.

Anwar’s partiality towards them has triggered widespread resentment with the state’s original party members. Party members look at both Bumburing and Lajim with distrust and believe that they are the reasons why Pakatan has dismissed other local players.

Said Ansari: “Wilfred said during the launch of APS, the purpose was not to fight for candidacy but to help the Pakatan. He also said APS will not take away PKR members…

“Wilfred is my friend, he is an honourable man and I am sure he is a man of his words,” said Ansari.

He said as far as PAS and DAP were concerned, it was a crystal clear situation.

“PAS did not contest any of these seven constituencies as such they have no right to contest.

“DAP obtained lesser votes in Sepangar and Putatan; they even lost to PKR candidates.

“Neither did they contest in any of the other five constituencies, so DAP should not also lodge any claim on these seven constituencies in the West Coast North Zone.

“Therefore, all the seats should go to PKR. This is our stand,” he said adding that he was convinced that the Pakatan leadership was sincere and committed to their promise and collective pledge to honour political autonomy in Sabah.

Meanwhile, PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali today dismissed a Sabah PKR leader’s decision to announce the party’s candidates for the state’s west coast region, stating that the names were “mere suggestions”.

“They are merely suggestions. All decisions will be made by our political bureau meetings,” he said at a press conference at the party headquarters here today.

FMT earlier today reported that Tuaran PKR chief Ansari Abdullah had pre-empted the party’s top leadership by announcing seven candidates for the state’s west coast region.

He said that the announcement was made in line with PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim’s decision to give autonomy to the East Malaysian state.

Ansari announced that he would stand for the Tuaran constituency and Dr Chong Eng Leong for Sepanggar.

When unveiling the list late yesterday in Sabah PKR headquarters in Penampang, Ansari said: “We have taken the liberty to release the names of the seven candidates that have been picked by the respective divisions.

“This is a test of whether the party leadership is sincere in its promise to give us autonomy. We are very confident that the party will pass this test,” he added.

Azmin’s dismissal of the list today highlighted the growing discontent between the party’s national leadership and the Sabah leaders.

Pakatan’s council meeting

Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, said that the Pakatan Rakyat presidential council would be having a meeting later today to discuss its candidates’ list.

“We will discuss issues concerning overlapping seats. Hopefully, we can sort out the matter by the end of the week,” he said.

When asked if Johor PKR chief Chua Jui Meng would be contesting in the general election, Azmin said: “We appreciate what he had done for the party. We have made several offers to him and I’m confident we can resolve the matter.”

Azmin’s reply seemed to contradict Chua’s earlier statement when he said that he has yet to be offered any seats to date.

Azmin also dismissed a tweet by Yusmadi Yusoff who claimed that the latter was not shortlisted to contest for the Balik Pulau parliamentary seat.

“That’s his view. The party will decide on him and all PKR members contesting in Penang by this evening.

“Anwar will announce which seat he will contest at the same time,” said Azmin.

Code of conduct for Selangor

On another matter, Azmin said that the Selangor state government had issued a circular on Feb 19 to all state departments and state-linked and government linked companies on a code of conduct for a caretaker government.

Among others, Azmin said that Selangor would no longer hold its executive council meetings and its political leaders are barred from using the state office and machinery for political purposes.

“The state government had informed the state civil service to only implement policies that were introduced prior to the dissolution [of the state assembly].

“We also urged state public servants to remain neutral and professional at all times,” he said.

Azmin urged Barisan Nasional leaders to also follow Selangor’s lead on the matter and use state vehicles solely for official reasons.