PBS: PAS does not merit consideration for un-elected seat

 

PAS does not qualify for consideration in the eventual appointment of non-elected Sabah lawmakers or any state government position, said Parti Bersatu Sabah president Maximus Ongkili.

This was because PAS did not participate in the Sabah election, he said, adding that PBS has made their position known to both Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor and Perikatan Nasional leader Muhyiddin Yassin.

Furthermore, Ongkili said his party has also communicated the "misgivings and concerns of the Sabah public" against PAS to Hajiji and Muhyiddin.

"In the case of PAS, the fact that they did not contest nor won any seat, it is our considered view, that any appointment under the provision for the nomination of assemblymen or any government post-appointment DOES NOT MERIT consideration by GRS for PAS," said Ongkili in a statement. [Emphasis his].

"I am sure the chief minister will consider all these matters, including the concerns and sensitivities of the various religious groups in Sabah.

"For PBS, our view is simple - follow the law. Practice the principles of respect towards each other's beliefs and promote peace and unity among the rakyat even though we have differences in religious belief, culture, and even political affiliation."

PBS is not a member of the PN coalition but a "partner". PAS, on the other hand, is officially a PN coalition member.

After the Sept 26 Sabah elections, a new Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government was formed, comprising BN, PN and PBS.

PBS not consulted

BN secretary-general Annuar Musa caused a stir recently by proposing that the new Sabah government allocate seats in the legislative assembly for PAS.

A feature unique to Sabah's constitution is that the Yang di-Pertuan Negeri can appoint up to six unelected members of the legislative assembly based on the recommendations of the state government.

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president and deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan has objected to the idea, while Selangor PAS information chief Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir said Sabahans now have the "right" to "receive" a non-elected PAS representative.

While acknowledging that PAS' entry into the legislative assembly was only a matter of speculation, for now, Ongkili said that his party has yet to be consulted on the matter.

"Having said that, although being a partner in GRS, PBS was not involved in any discussions regarding the impending role of PAS in the political partnership, whether in the government or otherwise.

"Such discussion was outside the purview of PBS as it took place between Bersatu and BN.

"Nevertheless, PBS has been following closely the public discussion on both formal and social media regarding the likely participation of PAS in the state political administration," he said. - Mkini