Sabah election 'a platform to liberate the people through committed leaders'

 By Olivia Miwil - September 6, 2020 @ 12:25am

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the launch of his party’s election machinery in Kota Kinabalu tonight. - Bernama pic

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans should use the state polls as a way to liberate themselves from "colonisation" and champion local candidates who will serve the people, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

At the launch of his party's election machinery here, Anwar drew example of a leader who failed to attend to the people's interests by citing White Rajah Sir James Brooke.

"We rejected Brooke because he is an Englishman who did not represent what we wanted. He did not rule to look after us but only to colonise.

"We then replaced him with our people. But if they, in turn, act just like Brooke, then what's the use (of electing those who are selfish)," he said in his speech at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here.

Present were PKR central leadership council members and Sabah PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew.

Anwar said he would meet with Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal tomorrow to convey Sabah PKR's wishes for the state polls.

"Once a decision is made (on PKR's candidacy), they should work hard. Starting tomorrow, the election machinery should also work hard for PKR, Warisan, Upko, Pakatan Harapan and Parti Amanah Negara."

Meanwhile, Liew reiterated the need for PKR to continue working with its allies to ensure victory at the polls.

"PKR has to be in the state government to remain relevant and ensure the reform agenda can be implemented. We need to return the people's mandate, which was stolen and led to the dissolution of the (state) assembly."