PENAMPANG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today reminded Sabah’s Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) members that the party was not for those who were only interested in enriching themselves.
“We see that in the previous government, (the leaders) did not prioritise the rakyat’s well-being but only their personal interests,” he said at the launch of Sabah Bersatu at the International Technology and Commercial Centre, here, today.
“Our participation in the party should not be with the intention to enrich ourselves, but to develop the country so we can all enjoy the benefits together,” said the Bersatu chairman.
Mahathir reiterated that Bersatu was established to bring down the previous kleptocratic government and its corrupt leader, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He stressed that Bersatu had no intention to take over the current Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) led government.
He said the entry of Bersatu Sabah would strengthen the government, adding that a nation or state ruled by a mixed government could bring further progress to the people.
“However, having a mixed government is not enough,” he said.
“It requires a sane and able leader who does not abuse power.
“Hence, we must give chance for others to lead.
“I also believe that one day, a prime minister will come from Sabah or Sarawak.
“We are living in a democratic country, so it is possible.
“Anyone can become a leader if she or he has the capabilities,” he said, to thunderous applause.
Speaking to reporters later, Mahathir reiterated that Bersatu would continue to support Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal although Warisan was not part of the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
“We have given them (Warisan) special positions as full ministers and deputy ministers in the cabinet and we work together closely as well as consult each other.
“There’s no problem for us to work together and their positions in the federal cabinet will remain.”
To the question of whether Sabah Bersatu would operate the same way as Umno and have to consult federal leaders in decision-making, Mahathir responded: “When I was the head of Umno, Sabah didn’t always follow me.”
On the state party committee, he said elections would be conducted in accordance with the Bersatu constitution.
Earlier, Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in his speech said Bersatu’s entry into Sabah was done on the request of Sabahans and the party was open to all regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.
Also present were Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, secretary-general Datuk Marzuki Yahya, Sabah Bersatu coordinator Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, Deputy Prime Minister and PH president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy chief minister and state PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew, former chief ministers Tan Sri Harris Salleh and Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, and the leaders and representatives of the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, the opposition Gabungan Bersatu Sabah coalition and Liberal Democratic Party.
More than 30,000 people were at the event, where seven elected representatives received their membership cards.