Datuk Lajim Ukin - File pix
KOTA KINABALU: Opposition Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) is jubilant that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will spread its wings to the state.
"When the Prime Minister announced that Bersatu will be coming to Sabah, of course we are happy and proud, as our request has been answered," said PHRS president Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin.
He said that PHRS members have submitted their application forms to join Bersatu since last July.
He added that he met with Prime Minister and Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last year to discuss the matter.
Lajim said that Dr Mahathir had approved the issuance of 100,000 application forms for PHRS members even though Bersatu had an agreement with Parti Warisan Sabah to not enter the state.
In GE14, 35 PHRS candidates lost their deposits. Lajim also contested the Beaufort parliamentary and Klias state seats, but was unsuccessful in both.
The party then held a special meeting to discuss the new turn of events and decided that 64,000 PHRS members will join Bersatu.
It also decided that the party will be disbanded following an extraordinary general meeting.
Lajim said he supports former Sabah Umno leaders who want to join Bersatu, adding that he met former Umno state chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor on the issue.
"We are keeping an open mind about who will helm Bersatu in Sabah, but we have already offered our suggestions to Dr Mahathir.
"If entrusted to lead Bersatu, we are ready to shoulder the responsibility as we have the experience to carry such duties.
"We are confident that we can develop Sabah, and fulfil her aspirations and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 through Bersatu," he said.
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