'Shafie as PM' option should be open despite support for Anwar - Sabah DAP

Sabah DAP wants Pakatan Harapan to keep the possibility of Warisan president Shafie Apdal becoming the prime ministerial candidate open, after the coalition today reiterated its commitment for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to take the top spot if it can regain federal power. 

"We respect the decision by the Harapan presidential council to reaffirm the coalition’s commitment for Anwar to become prime minister.

"However, we would like to also caution our coalition leaders not to entirely discount East Malaysians from being put forward to lead the country," it said in a statement.

The statement was inked by Sabah DAP elected representatives, namely Frankie Poon Ming Fung (Tanjong Papat), Chan Foong Hin (Kota Kinabalu), Noorita Sual (Tenom), Jimmy Wong Sze Phin (Sri Tanjong), Phoong Jin Zhe (Luyang), Jannie Lasimbang (Kapayan), Vivian Wong Shir Yee (Sandakan), Tan Lee Fatt (Likas) and Calvin Chong Ket Kiun (Elopura).

State assemblyperson Ronnie Loh Ee Eng and senator Adrian Banie Lasimbang were also party to the statement.

"It is critical for the leaders of Harapan to be conscious and aware of who are friends and who are foes.

"From the very beginning, Shafie (above) and his party Warisan stood by Harapan through thick and thin," they said. 

The group were of the opinion that no political coalition could rule the country without the support of East Malaysians. 

"As such, we believe that the option for Shafie as prime minister candidate should remain open as long as Sabah remains an integral part of Malaysia." 

The Sabah chief minister has succeeded in uniting its people from diverse racial and religious backgrounds, they added. 

Earlier today, the Harapan presidential council said it had discussed the Shafie option and reiterated its commitment to Anwar (below).

The council added that it will allow Anwar to negotiate with Shafie.

"The presidential council's view is that all efforts towards returning the people's mandate must be carried out with much-needed support from all parties.

"As such, the council gives full mandate to Anwar to continue discussions with parties including Shafie in order to get back the people's mandate," it said in a statement.

Shafie was previously proposed as an alternative amid a deadlock between Anwar and disputed Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the prime ministerial candidate.

PKR is insistent that Mahathir should not lead Harapan and its allies comprising PKR, Amanah, DAP, Bersatu rebels, Warisan, Upko and PSB.

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