KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Maximus Ongkili contends the party’s ground assessment in Kimanis has found the residents are against the controversial Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS).
Ongkili said initial feedback, from a survey held ahead of the Kimanis by-election, indicated that many are concerned over the implementation of the PSS, scheduled for next June.
“Based on our representatives here today, they are strongly against the PSS,” he said after the PBS political bureau meeting at its Limbahau division office in Papar near here today.
PBS has been one of several political parties in Sabah that has voiced out against the PSS, which seeks to replace documents held by foreign workers or migrants in the state, such as the IMM13 refugee cards, Kad Burung-Burung and census certificates.
Meanwhile, Ongkili said PBS will make a formal announcement on its participation in the Kimanis polls before nomination day on Jan 4.
The Kota Marudu MP said they are still assessing the situation, adding that the party has substantial support from the grassroots in Kimanis.
“We are still getting feedback from the ground whether to contest.
“If we decide not to contest, PBS will support any political party whose struggle is to protect the state’s rights, as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and defend Sabah from being populated by illegal immigrants.”
According to party sources, members are split between fielding a candidate to test the party’s support in Kimanis and preparing a candidate in time for the next general election.
Should PBS decide to contest, the party may field Senator Jamilah Sulaiman, one of the deputy presidents, or its Kimanis-born vice-president Johnny Mositun.
However, there are also calls for the party to field younger candidates.
Umno and Warisan have confirmed they will contest in the by-election. Anifah Aman, who was elected Kimanis MP in last year’s general election, confirmed yesterday he will not contest in this by-election.
Meanwhile, Ongkili called on all opposition parties to unite.
The former federal minister said all of PBS’ 60 branches in Kimanis, comprising 30 each in the Bongawan and Membakut state constituencies, are ready for the by-election. - FMT
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