We never had such a big number, says group’s pioneer
Published on: Sunday, July 14, 2019
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
KOTA KINABALU: The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Chief Liaison Coordinator in Sabah for pioneer members who registered in Pulai, Johor, has rubbished the claim by his former deputy that 18,602 members will leave soon over dissatisfaction with party chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership.
Datuk Sahran Untai (pic) said in fact there were only 7,000 pioneer members and not what Datuk Thomas Mojuga bin Tukung claimed, adding that it was a fabrication by the latter.
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“The number of founding members in Sabah did not reach such outrageous figure of 18,302 as claimed by him.
“Based on our records, there are only about 7,000 founding members in Johor last December.
“Since PPBM spread its wings to Sabah this year, the founding members were brought back to Sabah to be re-registered in respective districts and about 5,500 are staying with the party. The remaining 1,500 may be his followers,” he said.
Sahran who said he represents founding members in Papar, Putatan, Kudat, Sepanggar, Tawau and Kalabakan said this at a press conference after paying a courtesy call on PPBM Sabah Leader Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor at the party headquarters in Alamesra, Saturday.
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Thomas had said those leaving were disappointed with Dr Mahathir for not honouring his words on accepting former Umno members into the party and allowing them important posts.
“We think Thomas and his followers are frustrated because their requests were not entertained by the party leadership.
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“Thomas should realise that when he joins a political party, his main consideration should be on the policies and objectives of the party’s struggles and not on the individual or personality leading the party.”
Besides, Sahran said, the former Umno members and leaders have left the party to become independents (partyless) for a certain period and only after that applied to join PPBM and were accepted by the central leadership.
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He said the decision was made by the party supreme leadership and as members, Thomas and his followers should accept, respect and support it.
“We should not openly criticise the party leadership in the mass media and social media, and then announce joining another party like Warisan.”