KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will rise from the ashes of the exodus of its state-elected representatives in Sabah.
Its deputy president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) component member would continue to have a presence in Sabah as there were still members who were loyal to the peninsula-based party.
"Bersatu's management will rebuild its structure at all levels (in Sabah) to strengthen the party.
"We are confident of the reception and support for Bersatu around the country, including (in states like) Sabah. The party will remain in Sabah and rise again," he told the New Straits Times.
Faizal said that although he was disappointed with the Sabah chapter's move in quitting, he respected the decision.
Earlier today, Sabah Bersatu leaders announced that they have quit the party en masse.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was Sabah Bersatu chief, said the decision was made after factoring in the country's political situation.
Hajiji said the move was done in the interest of Sabah, for the sake of unity and to fulfil the people's wish and aspiration to fight and struggle under the auspices of a local party.
Meanwhile, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Sabah leaders had made the right decision.
He said it was a tough decision that had to be made for the future of the country and the benefit of Sabahans.