Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (left) and Bung Moktar Radin
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah UMNO failed to keep its promises ahead of the 2020 State Election and its leader Datuk Bung Moktar Radin has proven unworthy of the people’s trust, says Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Dr Jeffrey recalled that just two days before nominations closed, Sabah UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) had agreed to contest only 27 seats. However, they reneged on this commitment and ended up fielding candidates in 41 constituencies.
“Now, Bung has the audacity to talk about choosing allies who keep their promises,” he said in a statement today.
In the election, Sabah UMNO contested 32 seats, while its BN allies—Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and MCA—contested five and four seats, respectively.
“Bung speaks as if he can be trusted, but what happened in 2020 was a blatant last-minute betrayal by him,” said Dr Jeffrey.
Bung, who is also Sabah BN Chief, recently stated that Sabah UMNO would only cooperate with parties that honour their commitments, citing past experiences as a reason to be cautious in choosing allies.
Meanwhile, Dr Jeffrey, who is also the President of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STARSABAH) expressed confidence that opposition parties were on course to “meet their Waterloo” in the upcoming state election.
The 17th Sabah Election must be held by December 6 this year, in accordance with Clause 21(4) of the Sabah Constitution.
“We are ready to face the election as a united and determined coalition for Sabahans, and I believe the people are with us,” said Dr Jeffrey.
He also affirmed that Sabah is in safe hands under the GRS-PH Plus Government, led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, ensuring stability crucial for both the people’s wellbeing and economic growth.
Despite this, opposition critics continue to take cheap shots at the ruling coalition.
“But whatever slander the opposition spreads will be meaningless when the chips are down,” said Dr Jeffrey.
Currently, GRS is an eight-party governing coalition comprising Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), STARSABAH, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).
