Last chance for PKDM rep to switch parties

KOTA KINABALU: A state assemblyman is making a last-ditch effort to switch sides ahead of the tabling of the anti-hopping law in the Sabah state assembly.

Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Malaysia (PKDM) deputy president and Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim plans to quit his party soon, leaving PKDM with just one assemblyman – Datuk Peter Anthony of Melalap.

When contacted yesterday, Juil said he had yet to send in his official resignation, but would remain an independent until the “time is right to move forward”.

“I am planning to send in my letter and meet with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor soon.

“For now, I think I will remain an independent, but we’ll see,” he said, adding that PKDM president Peter had been informed of his decision to resign.

Asked if Peter accepted his resignation, Juil said he was unsure, but added that it was not an issue.

When asked about Juil’s move to quit PKDM, Hajiji said he had been told about the matter, but confirmed that Juil had yet to meet him for discussion on whether he wanted to be part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.

“If it’s true that he is leaving PKDM, I hope he will choose a direction or party that can help him continue his political career,” he said after a Hari Raya celebration luncheon organised by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) here yesterday.

Hajiji said it was up to Juil whether he wanted to join GRS because state assemblymen had the right to make their own decisions.

“But in the coming state assembly sittings, we are going to amend our state constitution to make way for the introduction of the anti-hopping law.

“So, there is still time. Anyone who wishes to join us can still do so,” he added.

He said the state government did not purposely delay the tabling of the Bill as there were procedures to comply with.

Hajiji also said the anti-hopping law required the approval of the head of state and the King before it could be tabled at the state assembly.

“So, it is not true as claimed by the Opposition that we are purposely delaying it,” he said, adding that the State Constitution Amendment Bill needed at least a two-thirds majority in order to be passed.

“I am confident the Bill will get the full support of GRS and Pakatan Harapan members,” said Hajiji.

He also urged Opposition representatives to support the Bill since they had been advocating for the anti-hopping law to be passed in Sabah as well.

The State Constitution Amendment Bill is among four Bills to be tabled in the first meeting of the fourth term of the state assembly from May 22-25.

Prior to this, PKDM had repeatedly expressed its intention to join GRS, but the coalition has yet to accept its application.

PKDM supports the GRS-led Sabah government and the federal unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.