KOTA KINABALU: As Sabah heads into the 17th state election, a resurgent Bersatu is seeing larger crowds at their talks, with appearances by party president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, says Beluran MP Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (pic).
"Those coming for these ceramahs are getting fed up with the state government. They want to hear what we have to offer.
"Our branches and divisions are strengthening with new members," Kiandee said when contacted.
He also noted the current state government under GRS and Pakatan Harapan's failure to resolve basic issues such as water, roads, and infrastructure across the entire state.
"Water remains an issue in all our major towns; they have not fixed the potholes on the roads. People are growing frustrated with the promises GRS leaders have made, and they are searching for alternatives," Kiandee, who is Bersatu vice president, said.
"The number of fence-sitters is increasing, and we are seeing larger crowds of young people attending our ceramahs. They want to hear us and see what we have to offer. This is a very positive development," Kiandee added.
Crowds of between 1,500 and 3,000 were observed at Bersatu ceramahs in Tawau, Sandakan, Sipitang, Batu Sapi, Libaran, Beaufort, and Sepanggar in recent months. Such turnouts are regarded as large by local standards for an opposition party, which typically attracts about 100 to 300 people.
"We don't have any lucky draw or goodies to offer people attending; they came on their own without any inducement," said Kiandee, who reorganised the party's divisions after the massive exodus by party leaders and members led by Hajiji.
Kiandee said that many opponents are expecting to have a walkover for Perikatan-Bersatu in Sabah, but they would be in for a surprise.
"We are not a walkover; yes, we go in as underdogs, but there will be surprises for them.
"Sabahans are politically very pragmatic and realistic; they know what is best," he said, adding that Perikatan was also focused on state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, apart from the need to fast-track solutions to basic problems.
However, Kiandee, who was likely to contest one of the three state seats in the Beluran Parliament constituency, did not disclose the number of seats Bersatu and its Perikatan partners would contest in Sabah.
