After criticisms, Sabah singer Jimmy Palikat decides not to join Perkasa

Fliepix of Palikat performing at one of his shows

KOTA KINABALU: Popular local singer Jimmy Palikat of "Anak Kampung" fame has decided not to join Perkasa following criticisms from his fans in Sabah and Sarawak.

Palikat, who admitted to joining Perkasa as an attempt to spur his singing career, said that his move had nothing to do him wanting to take a plunge into politics.

“I am not a politician,” said the 35-year-old Kadazandusun singer in a statement following strong criticisms particularly in the social media over his decision to join the controversial non-governmental organisation.

“I understand and appreciate their sensitivity and as an ‘Orang Sabah’ (Sabahan) I am still holding firm to the stand as an ‘Orang Sabah’ who has high tolerance for race and religious relations.

“I have sought the opinions and advice of friends, family and Sabahan leaders. After taking into account all that, I have decided to withdraw my application to join Perkasa with immediate effect,” he said.

He said that it was regretful that his application to become a Perkasa member had been misinterpreted, making him look like he supported the organisation’s stand on several issues which have angered communities in Sabah and Sarawak.

Palikat said his career and struggles as an artiste began in Sabah and while his career had spread throughout the country, Sabah remained his beloved state.

“I am proud to be Sabahan and the support of fellow Sabahans as well as Malaysians has helped me to be where I am now.

"I am grateful to all of them for their continuous support and I would like to assure them that I will not take or make any decisions or actions that is not in line with their hopes and aspiration,” he said.

“I have never forgotten myself or my roots,” he said, adding that he held in high regard the cultural and racial as well as religious tolerance that has been the practice of communities in Sabah.