Presidential council to be set up for Sabah’s political parties – Shafie

KOTA KINABALU: A presidential council will be set up for political parties in Sabah in fulfilling the aspirations and needs of the people in the state, said Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Mohd Shafie, who is also Chief Minister, said the presidential council would soon become the platform to hear, monitor and continue discussions on issues raised by all Sabahans so that the problems faced by the people would be dealt with efficiently.

He said the presidential council was also seen as a body that could strengthen unity and harmony between the parties that have come together to form the new Sabah state government after the 14th general election, held in May.

“It is important for us to translate the consensus, don’t forget, we work together for the prosperity and the rights of the people of Sabah and this is what we need to bring in every negotiation. We do this for the sake of Sabahans who live in the diversity of religion, race and culture.”

He added that a new Sabah had to be built not only in terms of appearance but also in the value of its people’s lives. This change is also for the younger generation of Sabah,” he said at the opening of the 15th United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) Triennial Delegates Conference yesterday.

Mohd Shafie said he was confident that Warisan would be able to form the pact and work well with Upko as well as the Pakatan Harapan parties namely DAP, PKR, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Amanah Negara.

Meanwhile, Upko acting president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau said he was confident that Upko which currently had more than 160,000 members, would increase its membership as the party was earning a spot in the hearts of the people of Sabah and the nation.