Anwar visits Sabah against PKR veep’s advice

Anwar on his way to Sabah although his Sabah VP asks him to delay the trip

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is persisting with his visit to Sabah today despite PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s advice for a delay due to several issues including the suspension of 12 party stalwarts.

“Yesterday, Datuk Seri Anwar did call me and said that he would still visit here,” Jeffrey told The Malaysian Insider in a telephone interview from state capital Kota Kinabalu.

“He (Anwar) said that the programmes have been arranged, so it is not polite if he does not attend,” he added.

The Sabah-based PKR vice-president stressed that he “did not mind” if Anwar wanted to come as that was what he wanted.

Jeffrey however advised the Opposition Leader to postpone his visit to Menggatal, Putatan and Papar today to another date.

“I am only asking Anwar to postpone his visit, not to cancel it as many things still need to be resolved, especially the party election today. But he still insisted on coming, so never mind,” said Jeffrey, adding that Anwar was currently on his way to Sabah.

Jeffrey, who “threatened” last year to leave PKR but changed in his mind, denied asking Anwar to delay the trip over the one-year suspension of 12 party members for trying to found a new political party called Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).

“It has nothing to do with that issue. It is only because we are busy here with elections,” he said.

PKR vice-president Azmin Ali also confirmed that Anwar was enroute to Sabah.

“Yes, I believe that his flight was early this morning,” said Azmin in an SMS to The Malaysian Insider.

Jeffrey urged Anwar to delay his trip a day after PKR announced that 12 party members in Sabah would be suspended for a year for attempting to set up PCS.

PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said that investigations by the party disciplinary committee confirmed that their actions violated party rules and suggested to the central working committee for their suspension to take effect this Sunday.

The errant members are Daniel John Jambun, Awang Ahmad Sah, Moses @ Mozes Michael Iking, Nicholas James Guntobon, Paul Kerangkas, Slyvester @ Balon Mujim, Innocent Makajil, Nasir Samie, Harry Kujukok Manisit, Rubbin Guriban, Gosibin Yosundang and Guandee Kohoi.

All of them reportedly tried to register PCS with the Registrar of Societies last December after Jeffrey threatened to quit as he was not happy with the central leadership “meddling” in Sabah division matters.

Many PKR sources have added that Jeffrey’s request was connected to the ongoing party election.

The nomination process began yesterday.

courtesy of Malaysian Insider