Shafie keeps options open

KOTA KINABALU: If Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is unhappy with Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s decision to go back on its word and expand to Sabah, he is not showing his disappointment – at least publicly.

Instead, the Parti Warisan Sabah leader chose to read out a carefully worded statement in which he took a measured tone but appeared to keep his political options open amid growing unease among the party’s grassroots members.

In his first public reaction to the move announced by Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad almost 72 hours ago, Shafie made it clear that while Bersatu was free to come to Sabah, its move to expand to the state had caused uneasiness on the ground, not only among his party members, but also state Pakatan Harapan partners DAP and PKR, who have expressed outrage over the move.

Shafie said that they could not stop Bersatu from coming to Sabah as it had the right to do so.

On Friday, Dr Mahathir had reportedly said Bersatu was venturing into Sabah to strengthen the Warisan-led government and not to wrest control.

Sabah-based political analyst Rahez­­zal Shah agreed that Shafie seemed to have set a conciliatory tone.

“It is a right start as it will set the tone for other Warisan leaders, who are looking for direction in dealing with the Bersatu entry.

“Shafie’s statement acknowledges that he is aware of resistance and dissatisfaction from Warisan leaders and supporters.

“But underneath it, Shafie also understands that being in direct con­­frontation with Dr Mahathir would not be beneficial,” said Rahezzal.

The next course of action must be for both Shafie and Warisan leaders to pacify followers unhappy with Bersatu’s move.

However, Rahezzal said it was important for both Shafie and Dr Mahathir to meet to show that Barsatu is seeking to cooperate with Warisan and not to snatch Sabah from the local ruling party.

“There is a perception that the Bersatu move is part of a grand design to check Warisan’s influence.

“But this (Bersatu’s move to set up base in Sabah) has probably got nothing to do with checking Warisan’s influence, but more on consolidating Bersatu’s position.

“The reality is the more elected representatives you have, the more influence and power you will possess. That’s only natural for any political party,” said Rahezzal.- Star