Upko endorses ‘Shafie for PM’
Published on: Tuesday, June 30, 2020
By: Jeremy S Zabala
Tangau
PAPAR: Upko formally endorsed the proposal of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal to be the next Prime Minister representing Pakatan-Plus, leaving Sabah PKR the only partner in the Warisan-led State Government yet to do so. “It is a dream come true”, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, adding Sabahans and Sarawakians have waited six decades for a fellow politician from Malaysian Borneo to lead the nation.ADVERTISEMENT
“On behalf of Upko, we will fully support that suggestion.
“And within the political framework of Malaysia, I think you could never imagine before that we could produce a Prime Minister from Sabah.
“But with the new political realignment in the country, I think it is possible,” he said during his official visit to Lamitech International Sdn Bhd, here, Monday. Sabah DAP became the first to support the proposal on Saturday, although the central DAP leadership had yet to make its stand.
He said Shafie holding the post would be an opportunity to address the long outstanding issues that have been “plaguing” the eastern side of the country which includes the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63).
ADVERTISEMENT He said Shafie is one of the most seasoned politicians not just in Sabah but also at Federal level.
Madius also shot down Sabah Umno Chief Bung Moktar Radin’s statement that Mahathir’s proposal was a joke.
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“I don’t think it is a joke. He is one of the most experienced politicians in Sabah. He was educated in peninsula so he can see the national politics very well.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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“I think when the announcement was made, all the other parties were present and we hope the presidential council will agree to that,” he added.