SAPP ends membership in PN due to Principles

14 December 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has officially withdrawn from Perikatan Nasional (PN), a decision made at the SAPP Supreme Council meeting on 23 November. The PN headquarters has been formally informed of this decision last month. 

Datuk Yong Teck Lee, President of SAPP, stated in a press release that it is clear PN intends to contest in the upcoming Sabah election, a position that contradicts SAPP's stance and policy which has consistently stated that all 73 seats in the Sabah State Assembly (DUN) should only be contested by local Sabah parties. 

“SAPP's position aligns with MA63 and Sabah's autonomy. We cannot compromise our commitment to ensure that the elections for the Sabah State Assembly remain under the jurisdiction of local parties, free from interference by parties based in Peninsular Malaysia.” 

He added, however, that PN's insistence on fielding candidates from Malaya parties in the Sabah elections directly contradicts this fundamental principle. 

“In fact, one of the main resolutions we have submitted to the GRS Supreme Council for consideration is Sabah's autonomy, that GRS must field candidates in all 73 DUN seats.” 

This is important for upholding Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and reflects the strong aspirations of the people of Sabah for a government that practices true federalism, said Yong. 

“With less than 10 months before the upcoming election, we urge the GRS Supreme Council to promptly resolve any uncertainties regarding the GRS + PH alignment. These matters must be clarified before the new year to allow the people of Sabah to make informed decisions about their political future.” 

“As a reminder, regardless of what DAP or PH Sabah leaders might say, the ultimate decision-making power remains at their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. As we have seen, PH and BN have solidified their coalition, regardless of GRS's good intentions towards PH.” 

Yong stated that SAPP remains fully committed to GRS, the only coalition comprising 100% local parties, prioritizing Sabah's autonomy and self-determination. 

“While the political future of Sabah lies in the hands of the people of Sabah, SAPP will continue to champion this principle and a government that truly represents the people of Sabah,” he stressed.