Sabah's leading social activist Patrick Sindu, an outspoken critic of the government, is mulling an offer to go into politics.

"Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman ( photo ) invited me early last month to join his party (Umno) and offered me a safe state or parliamentary seat in Papar," Sindu told malaysiakini today.

(In Sabah, Umno also draws membership from the Kadazan community, of which Sindu is a member.)

He claimed the offer was made at a meeting when he presented Musa with a report on a master plan for reform and re-organisation of local government to better serve the public.

Sindu, 50, said he had thanked Musa and said he would have to think about it.

"I would only consider such an offer if I believe I can really be of service to the people," he explained.

Sindu, who was born in Papar, is an advisor to Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and Papar district councillor. He is also president of the Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan Federal Territory.

He said Musa did not give reasons for the offer, but that he believed the authorities must be aware of his NGO activities at the grassroots and closeness to the people in trying to find solutions to their problems.

Sindu has been vocal on consumer rights, illegal immigrants and native customary land rights of the Kadazandusun community, sometimes stepping on the toes of some state leaders.

In spite of this, on the recommendation of a component party in the state Barisan Nasional (BN), he was made a 'Datuk' in conjunction with the birthday celebrations of the head of state, for services to the community.

PKR invitation, too

Sindu also said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Dr Azizah Wan Ismail had once invited him to join the opposition party.

Local politician Jeffrey Kittingan ( photo ) had sought his participation in a large gathering held in Tambunan over the weekend, during which Jeffrey and his supporters had formally applied to join PKR.

"I told him I could not go because, as a member of an NGO, I cannot be seen to be partisan. I have to be neutral," said Sindu, once a member of Parti Bersatu Sabah.

On Jeffrey's decision, he said it could further split the Kadazan community and, as such, play into the grand design of those who want this to happen.

"It could also lead to trouble in the Kadazandusun Cultural Association in which Pairin (Kittingan) is president and Jeffrey is his deputy. I am also in the exco," Sindu said.

Meanwhile, there is an air of expectation in Sabah that the general election could be held as early as next year.

There is growing speculation that Jeffrey could take on his elder brother Pairin ( photo ) in Tambunan, the family home base. Pairin is the state assemblyperson for Tambunan and member of Parliament for Keningau.

Sindu said he senses growing frustration with the BN-led government. In the last elections, Pairin suffered erosion of support despite being the Kadazandusun Paramount Chief.