Sabah DAP comes out in support of Shafie as choice for PM

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP is supportive of the idea that Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal from Sabah is given a chance to be Prime Minister.

In a statement Saturday (June 27), key Sabah DAP leaders said this was the first time that a leader from Sabah was being looked at to break the Pakatan Plus deadlock on the choice of a Prime Minister.

Pakatan Plus refers to a combination of Pakatan parties — PKR, DAP and Amanah, plus Warisan and former Bersatu MPs aligned to Dr Mahathir.

“It is the first time ever in the history of Malaysia since 1963 that someone from Sabah or Sarawak has been touted as a potential Prime Minister candidate for the federal government.

“In the 57 years that has passed, never has anyone from Sabah or Sarawak been seriously considered for the position.

“We believe that it is about time someone from here leads the country, ” they said in the statement.

Sabah DAP said that the 1963 Malaysia Agreement stated clearly that Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya were three equal partners in the federation of Malaysia with no region being more important or superior than the other.

"Sabah DAP, together with all its MPs and assemblymen, wholeheartedly welcome Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion for Shafie, who is Parti Warisan Sabah president and Semporna MP, to be the next Prime Minister of Malaysia.

“There is no better time than now when leaders from Peninsular Malaysia cannot decide a better leader among themselves, ” they said in the statement.

The state DAP also believes that various issues between the Federal and Sabah and Sarawak governments would be resolved easily as previous prime ministers, including the incumbent, have yet to agree on many outstanding issues ranging from state rights to oil royalty issues.

“We hereby urge all MPs from Sabah and Sarawak to rally support behind Shafie to make history in Malaysia — by having the first Prime Minister from the east, ” the statement read.

They called on Sabah’s Parti Bersatu Sabah, STAR Sabah, PBRS, and Sarawak's GPS, to give their vote of confidence towards Shafie as PM.

“This will enable Sabah and Sarawak to benefit from more development and be able to improve the living standards of the people here, ” the statement read.

Sabah DAP also urged the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) to give serious thought and consideration on the proposal.