Sabah PKR The Dying Dream

When a democratic country does not practice freedom of speech, citizens protest. What happens when a political party that espouses democratic principles goes against that which it advocates? Members resign! This is the scenario in Sabah PKR where its members have come to grips with its dying dream of ever taking over the state. The resignation of Kadamaian PKR assemblyman Jeremy Malajad to become an Independent on November 4th 2013 heralds the exodus of more disgruntled PKR members.

Pragmatic and visionary, Jeremy Malajad recognized that Barisan's victory in more than two-thirds of the 60 state constituencies is a barometer of the people's confidence in the coalition. Smart and people-centred,  Jeremy put the needs of the constituents first  far beyond his own political ambition. Upon realization that PKR can never expedite improvements and positive changes, including the provision of basic amenities such as roads, water supply and rural clinics, he quit!

To add insult to injury, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leaders lambasted PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Hj Ukin for asking Kadamaian assemblyman Jeremy Malajad to vacate Kadamaian seat when Lajim himself did not resign from the seats he held when he left PBS and Umno. This is the height of hypocrisy and double standards for Sabahans well-known trademarks of PKR.

Today, Matunggong assemblyman Datuk Jelani Hamdan announced his resignation as the PKR Sabah vice chairman with immediate effect. He said he could no longer work with the party State chief Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin and threw in the towel when Anwar called him garang (fierce) and  branded him a traitor for voicing his criticisms. PKR Vice-President Tian Chua has threatened to issue a show-cause letter for criticizing the party.

Clearly, PKR leaders do not practice what they preach. When they are not happy with the ruling government, they can hold protests, issue strongly worded statements and the sky seems to be the limit for their grouses. However, when their own members provide positive criticism, it is show-cause letter time! This is demoracy for you PKR style!

These two developments leave a big gap in representation as the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities are being sidelined in the party.

What Sabahans see is the dying dream of PKR smoldering in the ashes. Do not forget the cracks in Sabah's elected opposition began cracking on September 27 after DAP's Hiew King Cheu of Luyang quit the party and declared himself an independent. More are expected to quit.

Wise up, Sabahans! Put your trust in PKR to your detriment. BN is surely the way to go

 By Datuk Huan Cheng Guan