KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah people's sentiment about the government’s plan to implement the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) has been clearly expressed by voters in the Kimanis parliamentary by-election, said Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.
He added that Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Datuk Mohamad Alamin’s victory in the poll on Saturday is a "big blow" for the Parti Warisan Sabah-led state government.
Ongkili said Warisan's plan to introduce “harmful policies” such as the PSS had been an eye-opener for many, and voters in Kimanis helped represent the people of Sabah in calling for it to "be thrown out to the sea".
"We hope they realise that they are losing the Sabah grassroots because of their broken promises and harmful policies, especially on the implementation of the PSS.
"Thank you Kimanis voters for speaking (out) and deciding on behalf of all Sabahans. This is the beginning of the move to return Sabah to the right path," said Ongkili.
Attributing the victory also to the culmination of solid cooperation among opposition parties in the state, Ongkili said that BN campaigners from the opposition block had been working tirelessly from day one.
"The victory is not only convincing, but also sweet, given that the Pakatan Harapan-Warisan government applied all tactics and pressure, including threats and the giving of goodies, as well as the manipulation of stories and making countless accusations against the opposition.
"This victory also shows that you cannot take Sabah voters for granted; neither can they be 'bought' with cash or kind, and promises," he said, reacting to Mohamad's victory against Warisan's candidate, veteran politician Datuk Karim Bujang.
"We salute the Kimanis voters for their wisdom, bravery and single-mindedness," Ongkili added.