STAR's Kitingan expresses worry over Bersatu's entry into Sabah

By Olivia Miwil, SUZIANAH JIFFAR - February 16, 2019 @ 5:34pm

(File pix) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said: "Bersatu’s presence may destabilise the current government because defeated former Umno members are now Bersatu leaders in Sabah.” NSTP/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has raised concern over the entry of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) into Sabah, saying the move could destabilise Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan)-led Sabah government.

Its president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said: "Bersatu’s presence may destabilise the current government because defeated former Umno members are now Bersatu leaders in Sabah.

“(Also) Some of the elected representatives with Warisan may be tempted to jump to Bersatu given (its chairman) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s dominance at the federal level,” he said when contacted.

A political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Dr Arnold Puyok said Warisan, having filled the void left by Umno in the Malay-Muslim Bumiputera areas, could face a dilemma by Bersatu's entry.

“Warisan might be successful in ending Umno’s dominance in the Malay-Muslim Bumiputera areas.

“However, they might face a problem because there are still many loyal Umno supporters who are undecided. At the same time, those who left are eyeing for a new platform to make a comeback,” he said.

He added that although Warisan is convinced of its multiracial outlook, many Malay-Muslim Bumiputera would be attracted to the alternative platform that serve their interests.

Following the announcement on Bersatu’s entry into Sabah, the state former Umno chief Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor also revealed that about 100,000 people have signed up to join Bersatu.

Meanwhile, Sabah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said Umno is not threatened by Bersatu's entry.

“After the mass exodus of leaders and members, we have re-strategise the party.

“I believe the existing members in Sabah Umno are those who genuinely want to help the people of Sabah.” he added.