KOTA KINABALU: The Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), led by Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, aims to spread its wings across Sabah in the near future.
Liew said that initially, the Tawau-based party will focus on areas where the ruling party, particularly the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), lost in the state election (PRN) last year.
“Initially, we may concentrate on areas where GRS was unsuccessful… such as Sandakan and the Kota Kinabalu area because as a member of GRS, I must support GRS. We will assess other areas later,” he said.
Liew made these remarks to reporters during the Aidilfitri Open House event hosted by media practitioner Zakaria Damit at his residence in Kg Bangka-Bangka, Likas, yesterday.
When asked if PHRS would only focus on areas with a majority of Chinese voters, Liew responded that PHRS is a multi-ethnic party advocating for all Sabahans.
“It’s not just about the Chinese majority. It doesn’t matter what ethnicity. However, in areas facing issues, we will step in and try to unite our strengths,” he said.
Liew said that the party currently has nearly 100 branches with a membership exceeding 40,000 individuals.
He also expressed confidence that Chinese voters in Sabah will return to support the ruling parties in the upcoming general election (PRU).
On the PHRS’ stand concerning the demand for 40 per cent of the net federal revenue from Sabah, the party president stated that all leaders in the state, including opposition parties, must take responsibility to resolve this issue amicably.
“What is important is that the people of Sabah need to unite on this matter. Provide strong support to the leaders who are in discussions.
“Currently, we can see the division among us, where some people support the leaders who are in talks, while others support those who are not.
“This creates an opportunity for a gap that may not be easy to resolve.
“However, if all the people of Sabah think about a common direction, that this is what we should demand and it is indeed our right, I am confident that this matter can be easily resolved.”
Therefore, Liew calls on the people of Sabah to unite in a common struggle, especially in demanding the 40 per cent of the net federal revenue from Sabah.
