'Confirm or deny' social media chatter about new political party, Sabah PKR chief told

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Christina Liew and its Inanam assemblyman Peto Galim are among the names linked to rumours of a new political party on social media, along with members of Parti Warisan Sabah.

This has prompted Sabah PKR Youth information chief Razeef Rakimin to ask those being named in social media to come forward and clear the air.

"I have been aware of this rumour for the past few days but it is better that any confirmation or denial is made by the individuals mentioned," he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 27).

Razeef said many people were seeking clarification on "rumours" that Liew, who is Tawau MP and Api Api assemblyman, was working with Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony to form a new local party.

Peter has not responded to speculation that he was leaving Warisan and to claims that he was forming a new party. He has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday (Dec 28).

Razeef claimed that prior to the rumours circulating on social media, he had received numerous information on alleged "offers and threats" made against Opposition state assemblymen in Sabah, especially those with court cases.

"In my view this kind of disgusting politics needs to be stopped," he said, adding that the state election in September last year triggered by crossovers led to the fall of the Warisan Plus state government.

The state polls sparked a fresh spread of Covid-19 in the country, he added.

"I call on political leaders to focus on helping the people who are trying to recover from the economic crisis.

"This is not the right time to threaten and buy Opposition MPs. We do not want the dark events of the Covid-19 pandemic to recur," he added.