Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno has postponed its planned Gelombang Biru gathering following the deadly landslide in Kolombong and widespread floods that have displaced thousands across the State.
Its Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said in a statement that the decision was taken out of respect for those affected by the disaster.
“Today, we stand not as a political party, but as human beings. Sabah Umno-BN has cancelled the Gelombang Biru programme scheduled for Sept 21 and it will be postponed to a later date,” he said.
“This decision comes from the heart. We cannot celebrate a political gathering when our own people are mourning the loss of loved ones and thousands more are affected by floods across the State,” he added.
Suhaimi extended his condolences to the families of victims who perished in the landslide.
“Their grief is our grief. At this moment, we do not see them as voters or supporters of any party – they are our brothers, our family, our blood in Sabah,” he said.
“Politics can wait. But when there are children sleeping in the cold at evacuation centres, mothers who have lost their shelter and families weeping over loved ones just buried, that is where all our energy must be focused,” he said.
He said the entire BN machinery in Sabah has now been mobilised to provide aid.
“Our duty now is to extend our hands, deliver assistance, embrace with prayers, and ensure that the people are not left alone in their suffering,” he said.
“Gelombang Biru will return. But today, let us together create a Gelombang Kemanusiaan – a wave greater than politics, a wave of compassion, solidarity and sacrifice for the people of Sabah.”
