KOTA KINABALU: Under the current political landscape, any political faction wishes to form the Federal government in the coming 15th general elections (GE15), will have to first form a strong pact with political parties in Sabah and Sarawak, said Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong).
He noted that, the previous general elections had significantly changed the political landscape in Peninsular Malaysia i.e. from ‘two-party system’ to the present day’s ‘multi-party system’; in other words, no single political party could form the government on its own feet, in today’s much disintegrated political landscape.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) said this while speaking at the charity dinner hosted by the Kota Kinabalu Lions Ambulance Service Society (LASS), held in conjunction with its 12th anniversary celebrations, at the Putera Theater Ballroom, in Bukit Padang here, on Saturday. He also facilitated the sponsorship for 100 bottles of Presidential Signature Blend wines from the World Presidential Hall of Fame, for the purpose of fundraising in aid of LASS.
Also in attendance were, *Kapitan Karen Lo* , the special guest for the occasion, *Lydia Lee,* Chairperson of LASS, and Karen Koh, its vice chairperson cum organising chairman for the event, among others.
Goh underscored that Sabah too will be a significant player in the contests for parliamentary constituencies, hence is much sought after by the peninsula based political parties, as their ally.
While noting that out of the 222 seats in Parliament, only 26 seats (including Labuan parliamentary constituency), which is less than 12% of the national total, were from Sabah, he nonetheless opined that this 12% or 26 seats would be significant in the coming GE15, and should not be ignored by any political factions which desire to form the government at the federal level.
He also acknowledged the dynamism of Sabah politics, citing its great number of political parties and often the big number of election candidates which resulted in multiple-corner fights, during elections.
Goh who is also President of The Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations (FSLHA) also urged Chinese voters to exercise their voting rights wisely, in order to decide a better future for themselves and the nation.
“I hope everyone will come out and vote, and please avoid casting spoiled votes. We must strive to perform our duty and responsibility, as a citizen, so as to safeguard our democracy!” he urged.
