Kota Kinabalu: More younger leaders in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) are coming to the defence of colleagues who have been reprimanded for speaking up against seniors whose actions they believe may threaten the ruling coalition’s unity.
Sook Gagasan Rakyat Chief, Abi Wednes Gagamboi, said if unity is the goal, then those who threatened to fracture the coalition must be called out — not younger leaders who are speaking up to defend it.
Hence, he said, it is ironic for both Star President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and SAPP’s Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee to call for unity in GRS but not reprimand their long-time ally, Usno President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
Abi said it was Pandikar who began voicing out his party’s dissatisfaction openly at public gatherings, instead of going through the proper channel. He was referring to Pandikar telling a Hari Raya gathering that GRS components are ignoring Usno just because it does not have a seat in the State Assembly.
“GRS was not formed to preserve outdated political traditions or personal legacies. It was built with a clear purpose, i.e. to shape Sabah’s future through local leadership and policies that reflect the needs of today.
“As part of the new generation within GRS, we will not be mere bystanders. As the grassroots, we will stand firm against any attempt to divide us, especially if it comes from within.”
Both Jeffrey and Yong criticised Gagasan Rakyat Bingkor deputy Division Chief Rafie Robert and Kiulu Deputy Chief Datuk George Teo for calling on Usno to leave the GRS coalition if it feels the latter is unable to meet its demands for seats in the coming State election. They said the coalition exists not to serve personal interests but the rakyats.
Abi regretted that elders like Jeffrey and Yong looked down on junior leaders for speaking out on unreasonable behaviour of certain seniors.
“When it suits them, they would say that we are the future leaders. But when we speak up, we are criticised.
“Times have changed and so is the political landscape. Those who live in the past will regret it too late.”
In a recent interview with The Vibes, Pandikar again publicly criticised GRS and suggested that Usno may contest the coming State election on its own, even though it was rejected in the last election with Pandikar himself losing to someone who he belittled as a greenhorn.
“What makes this more concerning is that these remarks come from someone who currently holds senior roles within the State administration — not from those on the ground working to rebuild public trust in GRS,” said Abi.
“In the latest interview, Pandikar also claimed he was not in it (polls) for a seat but for Sabah. Don’t pull wool over the people’s eyes because elections are all about seats. Sabahans were not born last night.”
Pandikar in the interview also recalled his time with national leaders such as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Umno), Tun Samy Vellu (MIC), Tun Ling Liong Sik (MCA), Tun Lim Keng Yaik (Gerakan), Tan Sri Leo Moggie (PBDS), and Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB).
“While we respect his experience, the people he cited reminds us of the era he belongs to. Except for one or two, all the others are no longer around.
“Parties that endure are those that embrace young leaders and pave the way for generational change. Those that refuse lose their relevance. Pandikar is a politician still anchored in the past.”
Abi said the emerging leaders in GRS are not blind to what is happening. “We know who is quietly exploring backdoor deals and political realignments.
“If there are plans to shift allegiances or leave the coalition, it is better to be honest. GRS belongs to all. As grassroots leaders, we stand firmly behind the coalition’s chairman, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor,” Abi said.
“We will not allow GRS to be undermined from within — and we will not remain silent when its integrity is at stake.”
