02/10/2020
PBS conveyed views to PM and CM on PAS issue
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 2, 2020:
Parti Bersatu Sabah has conveyed its views to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on the call to appoint a Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) representative into the state assembly.
The party’s views, according to its President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, expresses the misgivings and concerns of the Sabah public and the need to consider the broader legal and political implications of the proposed appointment.
“Having said that, although being a partner in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (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 PPBM (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) and BN (Barisan Nasional).
“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,” the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) further disclosed.
In any case, Ongkili said that the views on the subject matter are rather speculative as there has been no confirmation on any decision made by the Chief Minister or GRS that PBS has been a part of.
“Of course, in this democratic country, anybody can form a political party and register with the ROS (Registrar of Societies). And any registered party, or even any qualified Malaysian, can contest in any election, whether it is a federal or state election.
“Under the Malaysian law, no one, whether individual or association, can stop any political party or person from contesting in any election so long as they are qualified to do so.
Ongkili, who is also the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament, said no one is in a position to block the participation of any party if they are a party to the political process and partnership of a group or coalition which had been formed for the purpose of winning the election and in the eventual formation of the government.
"But 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.
“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,” Ongkili concluded.
