By Wong Choon Mei
As top PKR leaders in Kuala Lumpur mull the fate of their Sabah ‘strongman’ Jeffrey Kitingan (left), a storm of protest is building up in his home state, where many of the party rank-and-file are demanding that he and several division leaders linked to him be shown the door and quickly too!
These protesters – believed to represent the majority in Sabah PKR - fear that KL may recapitulate and reject Jeffrey’s recent resignation as vice-president and supreme council member. Such a decision will only bode disaster for the party and prolong a power tussle amongst the state division leaders, they claim.Indeed chances are high that KL will opt for what it perceives to be political expediency, although party insiders reassure it will retain Jeffrey without bowing to the demands of his camp, which include rescinding the appointment of Thamrin Jaini (left) as the new state chief.
“Actually, what Jeffrey wanted was to be the state PKR chief and later on the Sabah chief minister. His supporters orchestrated the move that got Azmin Ali replaced but KL appointed another Sabahan, Thamrin, instead of him. So Jeffrey resigned as veep in a bid to force KL’s hand but although KL may reject his resignation, it will still stick with Thamrin,” an insider said.
The younger brother of current Sabah deputy chief minister Joseph Pairin, Jeffrey gave up his PKR posts along with Kota Kinabalu division chief Christina Liew (right) last month. The two accused the national leadership of racial favoritism and being insensitive to the wishes of the Sabah people. Both however remained as party members.Dooming the PKR
Simmering infighting between division leaders in Sabah PKR finally broke out openly last month, dragging the entire party down in the esteem of voters both in East Malaysia and the peninsula.
Counter-accusations were leveled at Jeffrey and his camp for putting his political ambitions above party interests including spreading a spate of negative and false news that painted several leaders such as Azmin Ali (left) and former state chief Ansari Abdullah (right) in a bad light. According to the state communications bureau, Ansari has now threatened to sue a journalist and the editor-in-chief of news portal Malaysiakini for defamation and RM10 million in damages if they did not apologize over several articles published recently.
But short of a bold and clear-cut decision from the national leadership in KL, the infighting will continue in Sabah, a state in which PKR can ill afford to allow instability to foment and fester.Indeed, its 25 parliamentary seats will be vital in deciding who wins the federal government at the next general election – the Pakatan Rakyat or the Umno-Barisan Nasional.
“For PKR to win Sabah, the reform agenda must be renewed, rejuvenated and rebuilt. And this can only happen if there is the will to revamp thoroughly and quickly,” said state Director Of Communications Ronnie Klassen.
While many would like to see Christina retained, they are convinced that Jeffrey’s shelf life as a leader is past and long expired. They see in him a troublemaker and a spoiler, who can only doom the party’s chances.
Read more at: Reconciling with Jeffrey may doom PKR in Sabah
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Comments (18)
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written by jaz, November 20, 2009 10:27:43
written by jaz, November 20, 2009 10:27:43
Your glory days are gone, don't linger any longer.
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written by penned, November 20, 2009 00:07:43
written by penned, November 20, 2009 00:07:43
The sentiments from the sabahan especially the KDM is simple .. they do not want to be lead by the nose from another arrogant pennisular party. It is ironic that the true natives KDMs are second class on their land . And BTW "the frog" aka Dr. Jeffery does have the support from quite a number of KDM. I wonder why?
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written by Proarte, November 19, 2009 23:18:37
written by Proarte, November 19, 2009 23:18:37
The Kadazans want to be recognised as the predominant indigenous group and want their race,religion and culture to be respected. This sense of alienation and exploitation must be recognised by PKR,otherwise DO NOT step into Sabah.
The Malay leaders in the Peninsular talk about their 'perjuangan' for their race and religion and their fight against the 'penjajah' and this is seen as legitimate. Similarly,the Kadazan's do not want 'penjajahan' by Malays from the Peninsular who want to exploit and subjugate the indigenous people of Sabah.
Anwar was a major player in bringing down the PBS government and ushering UMNO into Sabah.The plunder since then has gone on on a grander scale with the UMNO cronies laughing all the way to the bank with their ill-gotten gains. But this is standard Malay elite behaviour. By bringing in millions of Muslim illegals into Sabah, Anwar wanted to dilute Kadazan and non-Muslim solidarity so as to give some kind of legitimacy to the plunder; after all this is now a 'Muslim majority state' with 'Malays' as the dominant group and so it is their 'bapak punya negara' to plunder.
PKR better understand this. Muslim opportunists and illegals will support UMNO as it has served them well. PKR can only make headway in Sabah if it is able to unite the disparate and aggrieved parties and fight for their rights. By alienating Pairin ,the 'ketuanan game' is so clear for Sabahan Kadazans and the Chinese to see, and PKR will make absolutely no headway in Sabah and it will have repercussions in West Malaysia and affect Pakatan solidarity. PKR Malays hear this- GET OUT and join UMNO if you want to play your DIRTY KETUANAN MELAYU AND KETUANAN ISLAM game!
The Kadazans must be given the lead role as not only is this a barometer of PKR's sincere intentions, but it will also have the added effect of uniting the various races into supporting Pakatan as it will be proof of PKR's rejection of Malay and Muslim 'Majoritarianism' which is a terrible curse on Malaysia.
Jeffrey is the only choice. He is Kadazan and is an intellectual and is deeply committed to the 20 point plan. Christina is a Chinese and she is a loyal supporter of Jeffrey. Jeffrey also has wide support amongst indigenous Muslims such as the Bajau community.
Jeffrey can unite all the races and religions which no other leader can. Jeffrey has to be the leader to overthrow UMNO.
The Malay leaders in the Peninsular talk about their 'perjuangan' for their race and religion and their fight against the 'penjajah' and this is seen as legitimate. Similarly,the Kadazan's do not want 'penjajahan' by Malays from the Peninsular who want to exploit and subjugate the indigenous people of Sabah.
Anwar was a major player in bringing down the PBS government and ushering UMNO into Sabah.The plunder since then has gone on on a grander scale with the UMNO cronies laughing all the way to the bank with their ill-gotten gains. But this is standard Malay elite behaviour. By bringing in millions of Muslim illegals into Sabah, Anwar wanted to dilute Kadazan and non-Muslim solidarity so as to give some kind of legitimacy to the plunder; after all this is now a 'Muslim majority state' with 'Malays' as the dominant group and so it is their 'bapak punya negara' to plunder.
PKR better understand this. Muslim opportunists and illegals will support UMNO as it has served them well. PKR can only make headway in Sabah if it is able to unite the disparate and aggrieved parties and fight for their rights. By alienating Pairin ,the 'ketuanan game' is so clear for Sabahan Kadazans and the Chinese to see, and PKR will make absolutely no headway in Sabah and it will have repercussions in West Malaysia and affect Pakatan solidarity. PKR Malays hear this- GET OUT and join UMNO if you want to play your DIRTY KETUANAN MELAYU AND KETUANAN ISLAM game!
The Kadazans must be given the lead role as not only is this a barometer of PKR's sincere intentions, but it will also have the added effect of uniting the various races into supporting Pakatan as it will be proof of PKR's rejection of Malay and Muslim 'Majoritarianism' which is a terrible curse on Malaysia.
Jeffrey is the only choice. He is Kadazan and is an intellectual and is deeply committed to the 20 point plan. Christina is a Chinese and she is a loyal supporter of Jeffrey. Jeffrey also has wide support amongst indigenous Muslims such as the Bajau community.
Jeffrey can unite all the races and religions which no other leader can. Jeffrey has to be the leader to overthrow UMNO.
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written by onnetline, November 19, 2009 23:14:12
written by onnetline, November 19, 2009 23:14:12
Yes, the support of Sabahans are important but Jefrey is very close to his bother, Pairin.
Each could play as a ' double edge ' sword and they are very dangerous politicians to have as allies !
Each could play as a ' double edge ' sword and they are very dangerous politicians to have as allies !
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written by Daryl, November 19, 2009 22:55:03
written by Daryl, November 19, 2009 22:55:03
Like I said earlier meet with both of them face to face and get all the details and cut the lost if needs too. The important factor is rakyat and than PKR members. We want to win the next PRU not just get some seats.
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written by SiHangChai, November 19, 2009 22:31:30
written by SiHangChai, November 19, 2009 22:31:30
The Kitigan brothers are frogs. See how many parties and switching camps have they done for the interest of power? They are liability to PKR!
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written by corpuscavernosa, November 19, 2009 22:09:36
written by corpuscavernosa, November 19, 2009 22:09:36
It is sad to see the failure of JK to become CM of sabah, even though he is not the best
leader of KDZ peoples, who else can unite the KDZ ? Majority of sabahans= KDZ + chinese do not want an umno muslim leader to be the CM.. Sabah is always known in the world as the land of the KDZ people,
but the KDZ is so disunited that I predict the KDZ identity and culture will disappear in the future .
Most KDZ will be islamised and considered as malays. The only hope is for the non-muslims in sabah to unite to form a SINGLE party and kick umno back to when it belongs.
leader of KDZ peoples, who else can unite the KDZ ? Majority of sabahans= KDZ + chinese do not want an umno muslim leader to be the CM.. Sabah is always known in the world as the land of the KDZ people,
but the KDZ is so disunited that I predict the KDZ identity and culture will disappear in the future .
Most KDZ will be islamised and considered as malays. The only hope is for the non-muslims in sabah to unite to form a SINGLE party and kick umno back to when it belongs.
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written by Liberian, November 19, 2009 18:37:25
written by Liberian, November 19, 2009 18:37:25
I think Jeffery should be there as Zaid Ibrahim says. No one in Sabah favour Anwar and his muslim gang. I was in Sabah when Anwar took Labuan away from Sabah. The Sabahan blame it on him. The KadazanDusun, whether they are muslim or christian, they hate Peninsular Malaysian especially the MALAYS and Anwar is one.
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written by Iliyas, November 19, 2009 18:11:33
written by Iliyas, November 19, 2009 18:11:33
Jeffery has way pass his prime and should call it a day.What he should be doing is grooming young leaders instead of clinging on to a post he long for that will never be his for the taking.
My sources in Kota Kinabalu tells me that all is not so well even in the State's Liaison Committee.The new chief Ahmad Thamrin, is useless to the core.Rumour has it that the Director Of Communications,the brain behind the increase of support for PKR from the internet savvy young professionals, has tendered his resignation.If the rumour is true,DSAI should intervene and put the house in order.
My sources in Kota Kinabalu tells me that all is not so well even in the State's Liaison Committee.The new chief Ahmad Thamrin, is useless to the core.Rumour has it that the Director Of Communications,the brain behind the increase of support for PKR from the internet savvy young professionals, has tendered his resignation.If the rumour is true,DSAI should intervene and put the house in order.
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written by jalapeno, November 19, 2009 17:25:36
written by jalapeno, November 19, 2009 17:25:36
Jeffrey "the frog" Kitingan is not supposed to be accepted as an ordinary member at the first place, not to mentioned being appointed as Vice President. I believe this guy makes many Sabahan sick. But to be honest, Sabah comprises mainly of Kadazandusun. So to win the hearts of the local folks, appointing someone of kadazandusun ethnic background would be the best choice.
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written by Fuminari, November 19, 2009 16:29:07
written by Fuminari, November 19, 2009 16:29:07
PKR should start thinking about give a shot of going the long way again,lets forget about this frog jeffrey who many believe is all the while carrying too much self gain agenda even when he is jus tagging along!!
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written by Devoe, November 19, 2009 16:11:33
written by Devoe, November 19, 2009 16:11:33
Well,just let him be.Too much publisities make me sick.
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written by batsman, November 19, 2009 15:36:50
written by batsman, November 19, 2009 15:36:50
Anything as long as Sabah delivers anti-BN MPs to parliament.
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written by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , November 19, 2009 15:35:59
written by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , November 19, 2009 15:35:59
Who needs leaders like Jeffery. He is onlt interested in getting power for himself. Let him start his own party and contest the 13th GE. Then he will know whether Sabahans support people like him or not.
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written by deathorses, November 19, 2009 15:35:41
written by deathorses, November 19, 2009 15:35:41
kadazandusun will not support PKR in Sabah if Dr jeffry not appointed as a leader in PKR sabah.
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