KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin today announced his decision to step down from his post and quit the party.
The 61-year-old state assembly Opposition chief, who has helmed Sabah PKR since September 2013, made the announcement in front of about 500 supporters at Yaho Hotel, Sembulan here.
Lajim plans to set up a new multiracial state-based party. He said a registration application has been made to the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on September 19.
"This decision (to quit PKR) is based on the people of Sabah themselves who prefer to have a local party to speak for their interests... many we had met want us to be in a coalition of Sabah-based parties," said Lajim.
Also joining Lajim in quitting PKR is Moyog assemblyman Terrence Siambun (who is also state party information chief), state party secretary Datuk Maijol Mahap and state party Wanita chief Johair Matlani.
However, Terrence revealed that he will be joining the new party formed by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and ex-Sabah PKR's Darell Leiking.
Lajim also claimed that 10 Sabah PKR divisions (Kota Marudu, Papar, Tuaran, Putatan, Kimanis, Sipitang, Keningau, Beluran, Batu Sapi, Silam) are backing him.
"The (division) leaders are with us; we hope more will join us after this and more importantly we will go to the grassroots to gain their support," added Lajim.
Sabah DAP also saw a raft of resignations among its leaders today. DAP's Likas assemblyman Junz Wong who is Sabah DAP secretary, state deputy chairman Joan Goh, state vice chairman George Hiew and state treasurer David William in the same event, announced their resignations from DAP.
They however have yet to make a decision on their next course of action on which Sabah-based opposition parties they would join.