No reason for Sangkar to quit as Sabah PKR chairman, says state PKR leader

KOTA KINABALU: There is no reason for Datuk Dr Sangkar Rasam to quit as Sabah PKR chairman as the party has strengthened under his leadership, says the party's state secretary Samsuddin Sidek.

Dismissing a push by 15 of 26 state division leaders for Sangkar to quit, Samsuddin said that their actions were only splitting the party ahead of the Sabah state elections due any time before September 2025.

"Sabah PKR is still strong under the leadership of Datuk Dr Sangkar as Sabah PKR chairman," he said in a statement Tuesday (March 19).

Samsuddin, admitted that internal turmoil could be due to differences in opinions among its leaders but such issues were normal in any organisation.

"Their action does not give an advantage to the party but will lead to a split in Sabah PKR," he added.

"If there was any doubts or differences of opinion, it should be channelled through proper party platforms. All parties must respect the president's and the party's decision," he said.

On Monday (March 18), 15 division chiefs including Kota Belud division head Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (Deputy Higher Learning Minister), Api Api division chief Datuk Christina Liew (Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister) and Sepanggar division chief Petos Galim (state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Assistant Minister) were among the 15 PKR leaders asking for him to step down.

The 15, who signed statutory declarations asking for Sangkar to be removed due to poor leadership, want the PKR central leadership to change the state chairman if he did not resign "honourably."

Samsuddin said that Sangkar's appointment as Sabah PKR chairman was done in accordance with the party constitution and approved by the party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and as such should be respected.

Sangkar said he said was appointed under the restructuring of all state leadership chairmen positions in February 2022.

"All parties must respect the decision made by the party president," he added.

Samsuddin, however, disputed claims that all 15 division chiefs named by the rebel group were unanimous for the removal of Sangkar.

Samsuddin claimed that Semporna PKR division chairman Mohd Amin Abdul Mem had denied being involved with the group even though his name had been included.

Defending Sangkar, Samsuddin said Sangkar had undertaken many programmes at either the state or division level regularly since becoming chairman.

"For example, programmes involving all divisions were held to strengthen the relationship between leaders and members.

"Community programmes like distribution of food basket assistance, training, cultural and family events were held to strengthen the party's members and the community," he added.

He said all party members must focus on the upcoming 7th State Election and the party should win as many seats as could get," he added.