Yong Leading 2:0

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) endorsed Datuk Yong Teck Lee's call to support a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

Yong won the second round.

Germany beats Portugal 3:2 to reach UEFA Euro 2008 semifinals while Yong continues to lead 2:0.

Why does Yong dare take such a risk?

His political sense, bravery and capability allows him to take an advanced step and launch an early attack. Yong is very clear of Sabahans' feelings and what they want. That is why he dares to launch an attack against the party central committee from the Sabahan's point of view.

Most people thought BN scored a victory in the 8 March general elections. In fact, BN won with difficulties and by luck in many constituencies.

BN won the elections not because the people supported it. Instead, it was because of the strength of Sabah member parties and weaknesses and contradictions of the Opposition.

The lack of coordination among the opposition parties and their fragile foundations caused BN to gain 24 out of 25 parliamentary seats. The competition among DAP, PKR and individual candidates in Chinese majority constituencies gave an advantage to Sabah BN.

However, it may not be so lucky in the next general elections.

According to the online poll carried out by SAPP, 93% of respondents believed SAPP should leave BN.

Yong said: “BN is no more in Sabah.” To a very large extent, it is true. I believe Anifah Aman, Ghapur Salleh, Bernard Dompok and other leaders of various political parties share the same thought with Yong. However, Yong took the first step to take action.

Yong realised forty years ago that the then Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) state government had lost the people's support and while others were still hesitating, he was the first to leave the party and managed to gain a territory in Sabah. Later, he became the first Chinese Sabah Chief Minister.

Yong has his own unique calculation formula. This time, he has nothing to lose if he fails. Instead, it helps in the next general elections. At the very least, he managed to gain a status in the political arena.

TAY TIAN YAN
Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily
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