Sabah PKR Slams Jeffrey Kitingan’s "Colonisers" Remarks
Incendiary Rhetoric Threatens Nation’s and Sabah’s Peace and Stability
Sabah PKR secretary Sazalye Donal has slammed Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan for describing West Malaysia-based political parties as "colonisers" and "traitors" to the Bornean state. Kitingan made the comments at a GRS Youth event yesterday, where he accused certain parties "from across the sea" of trying to divide the state government.
Challenging Kitingan’s Remarks
Sazalye Donal said Kitingan’s remarks were incendiary and could threaten the nation’s and Sabah’s peace and stability. He emphasized that the existence of West Malaysia-based political parties did not contravene the Federal Constitution, and that the leaders of these entities were not traitors. "We challenge him to immediately withdraw from the unity government coalition if he can no longer cooperate with the parties within the coalition," Sazalye was quoted as saying.
Pursuing MA63 Demands Prudently
Sazalye also said PKR understood and respected Sabah’s demands for the full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but maintained that these demands should be pursued carefully. "Such demands should be pursued prudently and in the spirit of unity, in line with the formation of the unity government as decreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he said.
Questioning Kitingan’s Achievements
Sazalye also questioned what Kitingan has accomplished in championing MA63. "Apart from his seasonal rhetoric, especially during election periods, what tangible achievements has (Kitingan) accomplished in championing MA63? None. All the rights that have been restored thus far were initiatives and decisions made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim himself, even before being formally demanded by any party under the Madani government," he said.
Mining Scandal and GRS’ Leadership
Kitingan’s comments come amid the alleged mining scandal implicating several Sabah assemblymen, which has led to Sabah Umno calling for GRS chairman Hajiji Noor to resign as the chief minister. Sazalye did not comment on the mining scandal, but emphasized that Sabah PKR will continue to support the unity government and work towards the betterment of the state and the nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sabah PKR has rejected Kitingan’s inflammatory remarks and emphasized the importance of pursuing MA63 demands prudently. The party has also questioned Kitingan’s achievements in championing MA63 and called for him to withdraw from the unity government coalition if he can no longer cooperate with other parties.
FAQs
Q: What did Jeffrey Kitingan say about West Malaysia-based political parties?
A: Kitingan described them as "colonisers" and "traitors" to the Bornean state.
Q: How did Sabah PKR respond to Kitingan’s remarks?
A: Sabah PKR secretary Sazalye Donal slammed Kitingan’s remarks, saying they were incendiary and could threaten the nation’s and Sabah’s peace and stability.
Q: What is the current controversy surrounding Kitingan?
A: Kitingan is embroiled in a mining scandal that has led to calls for GRS chairman Hajiji Noor to resign as the chief minister.