Arthur Sen, vice-president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), has responded robustly to accusations from Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin, asserting that political alliances and realignments are commonplace in Malaysian politics.
In a statement addressing Bung's criticism of PBS's historical relationship with Umno, Sen emphasized the fluid nature of political affiliations, stating that PBS's occasional collaboration with Umno over the years should not be misconstrued as treachery. He pointed out that even major parties like Umno have set aside their staunch policies, such as the "No Anwar, No DAP" stance, under the dynamics of a unity government.
"Shifting alliances within Barisan Nasional or engaging in cooperative efforts with or against Umno has been a regular occurrence in our political landscape," Sen stated, highlighting the pragmatic approach that political parties often adopt to navigate the complexities of governance and coalition building.
Sen reminded Bung of Umno's own history of strategic partnerships, including their past collaboration with Shafie Apdal's Warisan despite Shafie's previous affiliation with Sabah Umno. This historical context, Sen argued, underscores the flexibility and pragmatism inherent in political manoeuvring, where alliances are formed based on shared interests and evolving circumstances.
Addressing specific grievances raised by Bung, Sen acknowledged instances where PBS members crossed over to Umno, describing it as a challenge the party faced but ultimately accepted as part of the political landscape. He emphasized PBS's resilience in moving forward despite such setbacks, reflecting a commitment to focusing on broader political objectives.
Bung's criticism, as reported by Sinar Harian, included accusations of past betrayals by PBS, citing historical incidents where he claimed PBS withdrew from collaborative efforts with Umno. Sen countered these claims by highlighting the mutual benefits and occasional challenges inherent in political partnerships, suggesting that such complexities are navigable with a pragmatic approach to coalition politics.
Looking ahead to future elections, Sen responded to Bung's call for Umno to avoid partnering with PBS, expressing readiness to engage constructively while acknowledging past differences. He reiterated PBS's dedication to serving the interests of Sabahans, emphasizing that political decisions are guided by the evolving needs and aspirations of the electorate.
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