Ex-Sabah PAS head chips in
Published on: Monday, October 12, 2020
By: Mardinah Jikur
SANDAKAN: Former Sabah PAS liaison head Hamzah Abdullah (pic) concurs with those who voiced their opposition to the recent decision to include a Sabah PAS leader as one of the six nominated members in the State Legislative Assembly.Hamzah Abdullah, who left PAS to join Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and became its Sabah Chairman for a while, said PAS political culture is not compatible and not relevant with the diverse race and religions in Sabah. “PAS is only relevant in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
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He also regretted the exclusion of Chinese leaders in the new State Cabinet line-up, saying it is the first time in Sabah’s history where representation of the Chinese community is being denied.
“During the early administration of the Usno-led government, we had Khoo Siak Chiew and Wong Lok Khiam in the Cabinet. The Chinese then had the means and channels to voice their grievances and their wellbeing was taken care of.
“But not in this current administration,” he said in a statement, Sunday.
Hamzah who stood as an independent candidate in the Sandakan parliamentary by-election in May, last year, urged the Chief Minister to reconsider including Chinese leaders in its Cabinet line up so as to be fair to the Chinese community.
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He said it would send a positive signal to the Chief Minister that his administration is not on a witch hunt against the Chinese community for their strong support to Warisan and its allies, DAP and PKR.
Meanwhile, nominated PAS Assemblyman Dr Aliakbar Gulasan has appointed Herman Obi, a Christian, as his Special Officer (Inter-Racial Relations) as proof of PAS commitment in defending the welfare of the people across racial and religious beliefs.
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Obi, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is also Secretary of Dewan Himpunan Pendukung PAS (DHPP) Sabah and has been a member of DHPP since 2016.
Aliakbar is confident that Obi’s appointment will further strengthen the relationship between the multi-racial community in Sabah, and thus prove the seriousness of PAS Sabah in defending the welfare of the people, across racial and religious beliefs.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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