KOTA KINABALU: A prominent leader from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) has denied making remarks suggesting that unity government candidates will face defeat in the upcoming six state elections in Peninsular Malaysia. Sukau division chief Datuk Juhari Janan has instead accused his local Barisan Nasional rivals of distorting his speech at a Gagasan Rakyat gathering in Sukau/Lamag divisions in Kinabatangan, which took place on Saturday (July 8).
Addressing the allegations made by Sabah Umno, Juhari stated, “I strongly refute the claim that the Sukau Gagasan Rakyat division does not support the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.” He further clarified, “My statement as the division head primarily highlights the failure of Kinabatangan Umno to advance Sukau and the Kinabatangan parliamentary area, despite their 20-year rule.”
Juhari expressed his disappointment in the lack of progress and the suffering of the local community during Umno’s reign in Sukau and Kinabatangan. He added, “There are still many people yearning for a better life and development in these areas.”
In response to Juhari’s alleged remarks, Sabah Umno elections director Jeffery Nor Mohamed referenced a video of the speech circulating in local news portals, emphasizing that Juhari had cast doubts on the prospects of unity government candidates in the state elections. Jeffery condemned Juhari’s alleged statements, claiming it as evidence that Gagasan Rakyat does not support the unity government, which comprises Barisan and Pakatan Harapan as components.
However, Juhari defended his position by suggesting that the attempts to divide the Sabah government were actually aimed at overthrowing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s administration, who happens to be the Gagasan Rakyat president. He referred to the political crisis in January when Sabah Umno chief cum Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin led a withdrawal of the state chapter from the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.
Highlighting his commitment to the development of Sukau and Kinabatangan, Juhari expressed full support for the state government led by Hajiji and the federal unity government under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He concluded, “The Sukau Gagasan Rakyat division stands firmly behind the current administration, both at the state and federal levels, in our efforts to bring development to Sukau and Kinabatangan.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
