Bung tells old friend Shafie to keep Kimanis by-election a 'gentleman's fight'

BEAUFORT: Sabah Umno chief Datuk Bung Moktar Radin has called on his old friend Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to keep the Kimanis by-election a gentleman's fight.

"I have been raising issues and unkept promises of the Warisan state government and not gone down to make things personal, if I do, it could be bad," said Bung, who was a close friend and ally of Shafie during their time together in Sabah Umno.

He said that Shafie, who had been with Umno, a national party, is now talking about state rights and Sabah for Sabahans.

"What are you talking about when you say you don't want Kuala Lumpur-based parties? Even in your home, you have a Peninsular Malaysian living with you," said Bung, making reference to Shafie's wife, who is from Kedah.

As the election campaign entered its fourth day on Tuesday (Jan 7), Bung complained that Warisan supporters had purportedly harassed Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Mohamad Alamin in the Kg Kalatuhan area on Monday (Jan 6) evening.

"They did not really stop them from going into the area but kept asking questions on where the Barisan candidate was going.

"I have asked for a police report to be lodged and the police must also ensure that our candidate can move freely," Bung claimed.

He also said two former Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairmen had joined Umno, claiming that they were not paid for their meeting allowances of RM150 for over a year and there no response from the state government to deliver assistance to the people in Mendangin village, Membakut.

Earlier in his speech, Bung said Sabah Umno was now allowed to work autonomously without interference from Kuala Lumpur and could make its own decisions in the interest of the party.

He said the party was a better and cohesive force compared to Shafie's party.

He said though Kimanis was a by-election, the people should not fear voting for Barisan as it would be a clear warning to Warisan.