Likely to send shock waves: Sabah BN

Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in Sabah said the resignation of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will definitely send shock waves within Umno.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee said Dr Mahathir's resignation is expected to create shock waves because of his immense influence among Umno grassroots.

"I think the nation is in for exciting politics," he said.

On another note, Yong believed Sabah MPs would consider supporting DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang's motion for a royal commission on illegal immigrant as it is an important issue for Sabah.

Lim had said that he had already notified Speaker Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia of the party's intention to table a motion calling for the setting up of a Royal Commission in view of the serious illegal immigrant situation in the State.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk V.K Liew said Tun Mahathir's decision should be respected and accepted by all concerned.

"I can only wish him the best of everything," he said. Liew, who is also Sandakan MP, said no doubt it might cause a ripple but "lets pray its not big enough to cause a tsunami within Umno".

Top leaders from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) are reserving their comments on the matter.

Sabah Wanita Umno movement and Puteri Umno Malaysia expressed sadness and shock over the resignation of Dr Mahathir.

Sabah Wanita Umno chief, Senator Datuk Armani Mahiruddin hoped Dr Mahathir would re-consider and not to throw away what he had built up and fought for during his 22 years tenure as Prime Minister just because he believed Umno had run away from its aspiration when it was formed 62 years ago.

Puteri Umno Malaysia vice chief, Rosnah Abd Rashid Shirlin said if Dr Mahathir was dissatisfied with the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi it would cause a rift and opportunity to outsiders.

Daily Express
Sabah