Labuan: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee has broken his silence on SAPP having been given no Federal posts despite winning two valuable seats for BN in the recent general elections. "I have not answered this in Kota Kinabalu but now that you ask about SAPP's feeling on the issue, I would say that since it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister, I cannot comment on it.
"Up to now, no one has been able to give us a reason on not being given Federal positions and we don't understand. Neither do we wish to speculate on the matter," he said.
SAPP won both the two Parliamentary seats it contested and also the four State seats - putting it in strong political position.
The winnings caused higher expectations among members, and it was obvious that there was suppressed frustration when the party's performance was not acknowledged with Federal positions.
Yong, who was here to attend the AGM of SAPP Labuan, was happy that Labuan SAPP, after putting in 14 years of hard work, was beginning to enjoy results with better recognition from all, including government agencies, the Labuan Corporation and others.
He advised them to work harder.
"I would like to see SAPP in Labuan having more programmes for youths," said Yong.
Regarding Advisory Council Member and Ketua Kampung Ronnie Tan leading SAPP in Labuan, Yong said it was proposed that someone "local" should head the CLC and SAPP would discuss the proposal to have Ronnie appointed as SAPP in Labuan at the Supreme Council meeting.
The former Chief of SAPP here is Tan Chee Chong who relinquished his post about two years ago. Labuan SAPP has been under Datuk Richard Yong, the Sec-Gen of SAPP, since.
The AGM was officiated by Deputy Chairman Datuk Liew Teck Chan and Richard Yong, also present was SAPP Wanita Chief Melanie Chia who is also the State Assistant Finance Minister.
