Picture Credit: Daily Express

 

 

The Deputy Chief Minister I, echoing Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, does not rule out cooperation with the parti parti Malaya in Sabah.

 

 

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) President, Jeffrey G. Kitingan, was firm in his party’s stance of not wanting national-based parties to contest in the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).

 

But it is ultimately up to the national-based parties whether to contest as well as for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to decide on an electoral pact. 

 

Jeffrey, who is GRS Deputy Chairman, said while others may express their views, he was consistent with his stance. “I don’t want to talk about who can or cannot contest. I can say whatever I want, but it’s up to them,” he said.

 

GRS Chairman Hajiji Haji Noor had said that Sabah cannot yet be like Sarawak because it still needs cooperation with national-based parties.

 

Jeffrey said Hajiji’s remarks were related to cooperation. 

 

"We have always cooperated with any party in the past and will continue to do so in the future."

 

“Perhaps people’s perceptions and interpretations differ. But when it comes to cooperation, yes…we always collaborate,” he said.

 

 

The Article first appeared here . . .

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/242569/star-open-to-cooperation-but-consistent-on-stand/

 

Editor's Note . . .

There should be electoral reform on the voting process, among others.

 

All parties in Sabah, win or lose, should go for free for all. The presence of the parti parti Malaya in Sabah and Sarawak may not be the issue.

 

Then, based on free for all, we will know where the people stand on consent of the governed for legitimacy. Small group won’t be holding power for eternity.

 

There should be runoff if the leading candidate in a seat does not get at least 51 per cent of the votes counted.

 

The 1st past the post system, inherited from Britain, only works if there are two candidates in the fray.