Kota Kinabalu: Sugut Assemblyman Datuk James Ratib brushed off Sabah Umno Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s claim of him jumping parties in quest for power and personal gain.
“It’s okay. It’s his right to make whatever accusations, we can’t stop him from doing so,” he told reporters after visiting the Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Ministry’s programme to empower its target group of entrepreneurs at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, here, Wednesday.
However, James, who is also Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister, reminded that Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) was initially in support of the Unity Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, but withdrew its allegiance.
James said he did not agree with the party’s attempt to orchestrate a change of government, alongside Parti Warisan, earlier in January.
“We were supposed to be united as one in forming the (Unity) Government. Once we are one, we are supposed to be honest and sincere with our partners, not just be all about politics or (trying to trigger) a snap election.
On Tuesday, five Sabah Umno State Assemblymen quit the party to join Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor. James was one of them.
The other four were Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Jasni Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Arshad Bistari (Tampasuk) and Datuk Hamid Awang (Balung).
On the same day, Bung, while debating the King’s Royal Address at the Dewan Rakyat, criticised the five assemblymen for defecting to PGRS, likening them as traitorous “monkeys” who jump parties for power.
Bung accused James of having joined all parties in Malaysia only to chase positions, adding that James would jump ship if PGRS loses its power.
James said the programme was held to empower local female entrepreneurs from the B40, disabled and NGO groups, while also helping them to generate income.
The programme is facilitated by the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa), Sabah General Welfare Services Department (JPKA), Sabah Community Services Council (MPMS) and District Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam).
“This programme will run for one month. If the response is good, we will discuss on extending this programme for another two to three months,” he said.
In another development, James said there are plans to hold a Ramadan Bazaar within the vicinity of the Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens building and it is currently being discussed with relevant stakeholders.
— Anthea Peter