KOTA KINABALU: The Parti Bersatu Sabah statement that it can cooperate with Parti Warisan Sabah was spun to give the impression they were forming a new state government, says Sabah Umno.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said what was meant was probably working together in terms of idea sharing and collaboration for the purpose of development in the state, not political cooperation.
He said it also definitely did not mean partnering to form a new state government.
“Not only PBS, all of us in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition are willing to work with the opposition to exchange ideas for Sabah’s socioeconomic development,” he said.
Bung said GRS being the state government does not mean it is not willing to listen to ideas or advice from the opposition.
He said any positive or constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome, and will be considered as long as they benefit Sabahans.
As for reports of a new government or political coalition being formed, he said he has no idea about such matters.
“I think these are just rumours made to disrupt and confuse the people, ” Bung said.
He said for Umno and Barisan Nasional in Sabah, the focus was on rebuilding Sabah and helping the people get through the challenges of the pandemic.
He also assured the people that the possibility of a new state government does not arise because all parties in GRS were intact and strong.
Bung also felt that PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili’s statement that the party is willing to work with Warisan or any opposition parties for the betterment of Sabah should not be viewed in a closed context.
Maximus had said this after Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal expressed his interest to work with PBS.
“The bigger picture is that PBS is talking about cooperation for the development of Sabah but not to form a new government or political coalition, ” Bung said.
He said the speculation and fake news that circulated after Maximus’ statement resulted in confusion and manipulation of the original issue and context.
Bung, who is also deputy chief minister, urged the people to remain calm and not be fooled by speculation.
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