Bersatu S Sabah Chapter May Be Set Up Soon Says Party Chief Strategist

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PETALING JAYA: There is likely to be an announcement soon by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) on the possible setting up of the party's Sabah chapter
This follows the exodus of Sabah Umno leaders and members from the party on Wednesday (Dec 12)
Bersatu chief strategist Datuk Dr Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff (pic) said the party is in discussion with those who have left Sabah Umno
"We're talking to them, they are talking to us and they have given some indications
"We are reassessing and evaluating and when the time comes, we will make the announcement," he said
He declined to comment if the former Sabah Umno members will be the pioneer team for Bersatu when the Sabah chapter is set up
Dr Rais said many proposals were made and called for Bersatu's top leadership and the Pakatan Harapan coalition members in Sabah to be given time to decide
"Bersatu is a party for all Malaysians, from Perlis to Sabah. For now, we have yet to be in Sabah
"We are studying it and we are also having close consultations with our coalition partners in Sabah
"Politics is very dynamic. There are several 'phases' that we need to see and inshallah, we will make an announcement when a decision is made," he said, adding that continuous consultations with coalition members will be made before any decision is reached
He was speaking to reporters when met at an event here on Thursday (Dec 13)
Commenting on statements by component party leaders and members who were against accepting former Umno members, Dr Rais said it is democracy where a diversity in opinion is celebrated
He added that everyone has their own views and perspective of any political movement and Bersatu has its own, too
"At the end of the day, so long as whatever it takes to strengthen the coalition, we will do that
"Please do remember, it is not only Bersatu who has taken in some of those people who have left (Umno) after elections," he said.- Star

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