PKR came a-courting, say Sabah MPs - The Star

PKR came a-courting, say Sabah MPs

May 13, 2008

SEVERAL Sabah MPs have been approached – directly or indirectly – to cross over, Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong said.

Admitting that he had been approached by PKR, the second-term MP said democracy allowed the “freedom of affiliation”.

“It is a pressure cooker. We are listening to feedback from the ground and we are in the middle of the people and the Federal (Government).

“We are all adults and it is nothing wrong for other people to come and talk to you,” he said, adding that he knew of a few other Sabah MPs who had also been approached by the Opposition.

Asked if he was considering the offer, he said he had not seen PKR’s manifesto but said he was interested in knowing the Opposition's position regarding Sabah folk.

“I stood against an independent candidate and not PKR so I have not seen their manifesto. I am more concerned about what they can offer the people of Sabah,” he said.

Former deputy minister Datuk Anifah Aman declined to say if he had been approached.

“I am still very much an Umno man. I have not talked to anybody and I have my own mind,” said the Kimanis MP.

Backbencher’s Club deputy chairman and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin said he was approached some time ago.

But he said he had not given it a second thought.

“What for? Barisan is still strong. Crossing over will erode the people's trust in the MP,” he said.

Sepanggar MP Datuk Eric E. Majimbun said many Barisan MPs from Sabah and Sarawak were frustrated that the coalition leaders did not trust their loyalty to Barisan Nasional.

“We used to be the back-up parties that supported Barisan but now we are the ones who helped them form the government with a simple majority.

“And now, they are trying to show their appreciation by investigating us just because there is talk about MPs crossing over. Is this the way to thank us?” he asked.

Datuk Dr Marcos Mojigoh (BN - Putatan) said there was no such thing as crossing over.

“Basically, we behave like the Opposition at times. The intention of the Government to help the people is sincere but the implementation is the problem.

“We are questioning the delivery system. It is also a reminder to Barisan not to be too arrogant. You have to be fair to all,” he said.