SAPP still waiting

By Dullie Marie

1. In May 23,2011 SAPP has formed a committee appointed by the Supreme Council headed by myself (Dullie Hj. Marie) to hold discussion with the three panel members from DAP.

2. The formation of this committee was prompted after DAP had in the newspapers called on SAPP to form our committee and Jimmy Wong spoke directly to our President.

3. To reciprocate, my President accepted the invitation with ten other Supreme Councils for the dinner in conjunction with Harvest Festival hosted by DAP at Putera Ballroom, Bukit Padang on 27 May 2011. It was made as a gesture of goodwill so that the relationship between SAPP and DAP can be improved. With the understanding the oppositions will forge a cordial relationship.

4. As guests at the function we are all caught by surprise by DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang with harsh tone and abrasive way in pinpointing Datuk Yong by name and ridiculing SAPP. We never expected such an ultimatum statement publicly by such a leader. Lim Kit Siang attacked SAPP as being unrealistic and for the ultimatum that SAPP must join PR.

5. However, the atmosphere is entirely different when SAPP attended functions organized by PKR at Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Penampang. The spirit of building confidence was mutual and cordial. We remind DAP leaders not to be so arrogant so early in your long road to the general elections. DAP leaders until today continue to attack SAPP and its leaders through newspapers, Facebook and internet.

6. Actually SAPP is ready to cooperate with Pakatan Rakyat to achieve the goal on the basis of one to one to face Barisan National. However, Pakatan Rakyat must also understand our aspirations of wanting genuine autonomy for the State. We are very much inclined to the proposal of Pakatan – Plus coalition as announced by Lim Kit Siang at the DAP rally on September 16, 2008 at Kian Kok School Kota kinabalu. This simply means that SAPP does not necessarily be a member of the fledging Pakatan.

7. We also recognize the fact that Pakatan Rakyat can march to Putrajaya by winning more of parliamentary seats but today's scenario PR can't get to Putrajaya without Sabah and Sarawak. SAPP strongly believes the autonomy of Sabah can only be realized through local party/parties but not from outside. What we have today is not a State – Federal cooperation but rather a State - Federal collusion. This is what is happening now when BN Sabah is headed by UMNO. It is illogical to free ourselves from crocodile's mouth but ending up in tiger's belly. Under such circumstances Sabahan will never regain its autonomy.

8. The demand is realized as enshrined in the Malaysian Agreement 1963 and it should not be perceived as tantamount of being disloyal Malaysian. We are loyal Sabahan in the Nation of Malaysia. The speech by Lim Kit Siang has not at all reflects the urgency on the need of cooperation among oppositions but pure arrogance with colonist mentality.

9. Have spoken to DAP's head of negotiation panel, Fred Fung, at their Harvest Festival in 27th May but we are still waiting for DAP until to this very moment. We are ever ready to negotiate with other oppositions on the spirit of understanding and mutual respect. SAPP is sincere in its efforts so that a formidable force can be achieved. However, SAPP still confident that SAPP's relation with PKR, DAP and PAS can be improved before the coming general elections.

Pix: SAPP Vice President Dullie Hj Marie (L-3), Sepreme Councillor Peter Marajin (R-3), Stephen Gaimin (R-2) and other Youth leaders call for press conference.

Dullie Hj. Marie is Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President.