Ex Speaker Cries Sabotage Over Call To Defeat Greedy Pandikar And Wife

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SABAH POLLS | Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision to field former Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia and his wife Diana Diego continues to be a source of drama.
The latest episode concerns Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan) leader Arsit Sedi calling for Pandikar and his wife to be defeated.
"Break those greediest husband and wife candidates who are contesting using the GRS logo," Arsit said.
The message was sent in a GRS WhatsApp group that Pandikar (above) is also a member of.
ADSA screenshot of the chat, which appeared to be from Pandikar’s side, circulated on social media yesterday.
Also circulated was a two-and-a-half-minute audio message he sent in response, tearing into Arsit and warning members against using the WhatsApp group to vent political frustrations.
“This group is the GRS group. All of us here who are talking are supposed to be sensible. Arsit, what you said was rude,” Pandikar said.
The United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) president then issued a challenge that escalated the confrontation.
“If you are brave, later we meet on the 17th. That is the launching of the manifesto. Meet me. Say it to my face,” Pandikar said.
He is also heard criticising Arsit’s “lack of maturity” and even suggested shutting down the group.
Calculated move, misdirected frustration?
When contacted, Pandikar did not deny the recording and accused Arsit of orchestrating a targeted attack.
“It is not an insult. It is sabotage. That is a sabotage. He is a leader. First insult and tantamount sabotage," he told Malaysiakini.
He claimed the message was designed to provoke him and said Arsit was upset that he was not selected as a candidate for the Sabah polls.
Arsit, he said, had been eyeing the Tanjung Keramat seat, and should have directed his frustration at its incumbent, Shahelmey Yahya, whose brother Shahalfie was fielded by GRS.
“Why did he want to provoke me? This is a calculated thing. Now you cannot compare my politics… you know my brand of politics.”
ADSPandikar said he had forwarded the messages to senior Gagasan leaders, including deputy president Masidi Manjun and party president Hajiji Noor - who are also reportedly in the group.
“I have sent a message to Masidi, said this is insane, and will take action. I also told Hajiji,” he added.
GRS leader Hajiji NoorHe dismissed claims that he and his wife - who are contesting in Pintasan and Sekong respectively - had pushed to be nominated.
“The issue is not that I choose myself or choose Diana. It was decided by GRS leaders. Every single person has been screened. Has a chance to win," he added.
Arsit has since been reportedly removed from the WhatsApp group.
He refused to comment when contacted.
The row comes less than 24 hours before GRS unveils its election manifesto tomorrow at 1pm at the Sabah International Convention Centre, setting the stage for a tense event that was intended to project unity.
Pandikar was the subject of a viral video just days ago, when he challenged reporters to a bet on whether he would win.
The remarks were in response to questions about being booed when his name was announced as the GRS candidate for Pintasan.
The seat's incumbent, Fairuz Renddan, furious at being dropped, has since quit Gagasan and is now standing against Pandikar.
Sabah heads to the polls on Nov 29 with early voting on the 25th. - Mkini

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