PKR should move on from PH chairmanship dispute and concentrate on the impending election

4 January 2025

By AVV

PENAMPANG: PKR Sabah is not being forthright in its rejection of the selection of the Chairman of Sabah, which was conducted through a fair voting process on December 1st.

Dr. Peter Naintin, the Information Chief of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), noted that the Secretary of PKR Sabah appears to prefer utilising the media and other channels to advocate for Datuk Christina Liew, the Chairman of the PKR Sabah Political Bureau, in securing the position of Chairman of PH Sabah.

Following the election of Datuk Ewon Benedick as the new PH Sabah Chairman, PKR Sabah has taken steps to question and dismiss the PH Central Secretariat representative, suggesting that , they do not respect the constitution of PH Sabah, the democratic process, or the leadership of PH Central.

"They are rejecting the results of the selection of other State PH Chairpersons, where the same secretariat representative was present."

" It appeared that only PKR Sabah is deemed most entitled to contest and win the selection on that day" he said adding that they believe the chairmanship of PH Sabah rightfully belongs to PKR Sabah and should not be contested or questioned.

"We were all present in the same room during that selection. All six delegates from PKR, DAP, UPKO, and AMANAH were present in the same room throughout the election process," Peter, who is also Libaran UPKO division chief said.

"Every decision was proposed, discussed, and agreed upon through voting by each party representative present."

He further added that the views of each party representative were heard, considered, and discussed harmoniously, and the process was well-managed by the PH Central Secretariat.

Today, PKR Sabah has rejected the representative from the PH Central Secretariat and expressed disagreement with the voting process.

"Their aim seems to be to ensure that the PH Sabah Chairmanship remains with PKR Sabah; they believe it should rightfully belong to Datuk Christina Liew without undergoing a voting process."

"It is imperative that we respect the democratic process and accept the mandate from each party representative who voted for the candidate and the new leadership of PH Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, as we prepare for the upcoming Sabah state elections."

He stressed that Ewon is a people-oriented leader who constantly strives and works for the benefit of the people of Sabah.