Sabah Progressive Party Withdraws from Perikatan Nasional, Cites Conflict with Party Principles
The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has officially withdrawn from Perikatan Nasional (PN), a decision formalised during its Supreme Council meeting on November 23, SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said.
Conflicting Principles
Yong stated that PN’s intention to contest in the upcoming Sabah State Election conflicted with SAPP’s longstanding principle that all 73 Sabah state seats should be contested exclusively by local parties.
Alignment with MA63 and Autonomy
"SAPP’s stance aligns with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Sabah’s autonomy," Yong said. "We cannot compromise on our commitment to ensuring that state elections remain under the jurisdiction of Sabah-based parties, free from interference by peninsula-based parties."
Contradiction with PN’s Intention
He said PN’s insistence on fielding candidates from Malaya-based parties directly contradicts this fundamental principle.
Current Coalition Membership
SAPP is currently a component party of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, comprising Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
Resolution for GRS
Yong said SAPP has proposed a resolution to the GRS Supreme Council, urging the coalition to field candidates in all 73 seats during the upcoming state polls.
"This step is crucial in upholding Sabah’s rights under MA63 and reflecting the strong aspirations of the people for a government that practises genuine federalism," he said.
Call for Clarity on GRS-Pakatan Harapan Alignment
With less than 10 months until the state election, Yong also called on the GRS Supreme Council to resolve any uncertainties regarding its alignment with Pakatan Harapan before the new year.
"All these matters must be clarified to allow the people of Sabah to make informed decisions about their political future," he said.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of SAPP from PN is a significant development in the run-up to the Sabah State Election. The party’s decision is based on its commitment to ensuring that state elections remain under the jurisdiction of Sabah-based parties, free from interference by peninsula-based parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did SAPP withdraw from PN?
A: SAPP withdrew from PN due to the party’s intention to contest in the upcoming Sabah State Election, which conflicts with SAPP’s principle that all 73 Sabah state seats should be contested exclusively by local parties.
Q: What is SAPP’s position on the upcoming state election?
A: SAPP is committed to ensuring that state elections remain under the jurisdiction of Sabah-based parties, free from interference by peninsula-based parties.
Q: What is the current status of SAPP’s membership in the GRS coalition?
A: SAPP is still a component party of the GRS coalition, but it has proposed a resolution to the GRS Supreme Council, urging the coalition to field candidates in all 73 seats during the upcoming state polls.
Q: What is the significance of the MA63 in this context?
A: The MA63 is a fundamental agreement that established the formation of Malaysia and the rights of Sabah and Sarawak. SAPP’s stance is based on the principles enshrined in this agreement.