RANAU: Incumbent Paginatan Assemblyman, Datuk Abidin Madingkir (pic), said the decision to remain in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) was made with the interest of the people in mind.
Speaking to the media, Tuesday, Abidin said after making the decision to leave StarSabah, there is no plan to join any other party under GRS but he joined GRS as a direct member, considering GRS is also a party other than the coalition.
“As I have mentioned previously, I will cross the bridge when it comes to it when there is an official decision from the party (StarSabah) leadership.
“While there is no certainty at the leadership level, I was not able to make any decision, but when the time comes for me to decide, I hope everyone would understand that it is for the interest of the people and not for myself.
“I also hope that this decision is supported by all of my followers, especially those in the leadership positions considering that this decision was made for the benefit of the people of Ranau,” he said.
Abidin said in line with the decision to remain in GRS, supporters here can rest assured that his original vision remains unchanged and will continue to be upheld.
He also reminded all of his leadership team that to be involved in politics should never be for the interest of one’s self, but for the rakyat.
“When I first joined politics, I heard people say that I wanted to collect lands here and there for myself, but I have no interest in those things,” he said.
The decision that he made to remain with GRS received unwavering support by the leadership in Paginatan, with many supporters voicing their loyalty to Abidin in the upcoming State Election.
Earlier, StarSabah which together with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), pulled out of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-PH State Government last Thursday.
StarSabah received a major blow on the day the 17th State Election was called when five elected representatives declared their continued support for GRS.
Star Deputy President Datuk Ellron Angin confirmed he and the four decided to support the coalition led by caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as GRS direct members.
Three of them, Abidin, Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman and Tulid Assemblywoman Datuk Flovia Ng, attended the press conference called by Hajiji to announce the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly on Monday. Bingkor Assemblyman Datuk Robert Tawik was not present due to health factor.
He said their decision reflects their support for the coalition’s leadership and direction.
“After Star made that decision (pullout), we left the party and decided to support GRS. We will contest under the GRS logo in the election,” he said.
Dr Jeffrey said he pulled Star out of GRS because the coalition decided to cooperate with Pakatan Harapan (PH), insisting that peninsula-led parties have no business to be in Sabah.
Jeffrey’s announcement coincided with a video released by businessman Albert Tei alleging bribes amounting to RM1.7 million paid to Jeffrey, among others, to seek his influence to make Hajiji reverse a decision to ban mining activities.