- April 29, 2018 @ 10:06am
 |
| Warisan candidate Justin Alip, 66. Picture by Malai Rosmah Tuah |
KENINGAU: Former Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Justin Alip did not expect to have to challenge party president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan for the Tambunan state seat.
The Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) candidate said the decision to contest there was initially made after Pairin expressed early retirement intentions last year.
Justin, 66, is also the brother-in-law of Pairin and Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) president Datuk Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also contesting the Tambunan seat.
The four-cornered fight will include Nestor Joannes from Parti Cinta Sabah, who contested as a Star candidate in 2013.
“Initially, I never thought that I would face off with my own brother-in-law, as when I was still with him, Pairin mentioned he would retire from politics.
“People should not view this as me challenging him, as I made the decision to run for Tambunan after he announced his desire to retire,” said Justin, who married Pairin’s youngest sister, Juliana.
Expressing respect for the Huguan Siou (paramount Kadazandusun Murut leader), Justin said he gained political knowledge and experience from Pairin, whom he had followed since 1984.
During nomination day yesterday, Pairin, 78, voiced disappointment over Justin for initially betraying the party, and now standing against him for the Tambunan seat which Pairin has held since 1976.
Justin quit PBS in March last year to join Warisan when Pairin was on leave.
Regardless of strained family relations, Justin believes his actions are worth it, if it affords him the mandate to serve the community.
Comments
Post a Comment