KOTA KINABALU, Nov 17: The statement by United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) President Datuk Ewon Benedick that Sabah voters would lose their advantage if they chose candidates from national parties is irresponsible, says DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke.
He said such a statement could divide the relationship between local and national parties.
Loke, who is also the Minister of Transport, said such a statement was inappropriate because all candidates contesting in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN) were locals, regardless of their party affiliation.
“I feel that is a rather irresponsible statement and attempts to divide the leaders of local parties and national parties. All the leaders and candidates contesting in Sabah are local leaders,” he told reporters after attending the Community Appreciation Ceremony here tonight.
Also present were DAP candidates for the Sabah State Election contesting under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) ticket: Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (Likas State Assembly seat), Chan Loong Wei (Luyang), Datuk Chan Foong Hin (Tanjung Aru) and Datuk Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan).
Loke also hoped the people of Sabah would reject the narrative of hostility between Sabah and Peninsula Malaysia and focus on forming a stable state government capable of establishing good relations with the federal government.
— BERNAMA