Sabah DAP chief Frankie Poon’s move to question Warisan's ability in fighting for Sabah's rights only shows he knows very little about the political history of the Borneo state, said Warisan information chief Mohd Azis Jamman.
The incumbant Sepanggar MP said Poon's remarks revealed that DAP is not a party based on political reality.
"He (Poon) forgot that Sabah, under the previous United Sabah National Organisation’s (Usno) administration received pressure from the federal government, particularly from Umno which commanded a two-thirds majority in Parliament even without the support of Sabah and Sarawak," Azis said in a statement today.
The Warisan lawmaker reminded Poon that then chief minister Mustapha Harun was forced to ink an agreement on petroleum otherwise peninsula-backed Parti Bersatu Rakyat Jelata Sabah (Berjaya) would overthrow Usno.
"Even though Berjaya grew into a strong state government, Umno was much stronger in the peninsula because the Umno government was strong and stable even without the support of Sabah," he said, adding that Berjaya was therefore unable to fight for the state’s rights.
"Sabahans’ awareness eventually led to the formation of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) which succeeded in overthrowing Berjaya. As the state ruling party, PBS was well known for its strength but still, Umno was much more powerful.
"PBS was vocal about Sabah's rights and it left BN in 1990. However, PBS’ exit did not waver BN. Umno later bought over some state representatives and they defected resulting in the collapse of the PBS-state government," he said.
"Does Poon (above) not know this part of state history? He should know better why the local party did not succeed in its demand for Sabah's rights," he said, adding that it was the same for Sarawak.
However, Azis noted that the political scenario has changed today.
“Umno is not as strong as before and even the federal government led by Umno and Perikatan Nasional (PN) needs the support of 18 parliamentarians from Sarawak-based GPS," he said.
MA63 demands
Azis pointed out that without Sarawak, the BN/PN government will fall and this prompted the implementation of demands made in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Putrajaya has no choice but to fulfil it as they fear being overthrown," he added.
Azis believes that Sabah and Sarawak are able to determine the federal government in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
He urged Sabahans to fully utilise this opportunity to ensure their rights and interests are protected.
"Given the political situation of the peninsula which is divided, the people of Sabah and Sarawak should unite and form a strong coalition so that we can be the deciding force and further request MA63 be made a priority and implemented by any coalition that wants to work with the Borneo bloc to form the federal government," he said.
Azis called on Poon to weigh his options well.
"Poon needs to be honest and sincere when he is given two choices, will he adhere to the party's instructions or uphold the interests of Sabah?"
He also wants Poon to explain what happened to DAP's pledges for Sabah, including the 20 percent allocation of oil royalty for the state.
"When Lim Guan Eng was the finance minister, he chose to breach those promises," Azis said.
‘Political hypocrisy’
Yesterday, Poon reportedly called out Warisan for political hypocrisy over what he described as Warisan’s support for the defection of Bersatu's Bandau assemblyperson Wetrom Bahanda.
"I would like to ask if Warisan prioritises the interest of Sabahans or their personal interests. Are they only interested in usurping power regardless of the outcome and how it will cause a lot of suffering to the people?" he was quoted as saying by Sabah Gazette.
Once allies in state and federal government, Warisan and Sabah Pakatan Harapan have severed ties and are frequently trading barbs as GE15 looms.
Warisan, which won eight parliamentary seats in the 2018 polls, announced that it would contest all 25 seats in GE15 while Harapan will work with Muda in the polls. - Mkini
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