KOTA KINABALU: Some 100,000 former Sabah Umno members have applied to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), says Beluran MP Datuk Ronald Kiandee.



He added that the party was ready to set up divisions in the 25 parliamentary constituencies in the state.



“We are expecting the number of members to grow quickly once the party spreads its wings to Sabah officially,” said Kiandee, who was among five MPs, nine assemblymen, two senators and 21 of 25 divisions heads to leave the party led by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Mohd Hajiji Mohd Noor to become independents on Dec 12.



Except for Tempasuk assemblymen Musabah Jamli, who broke the ranks of independents and joined Parti Warisan Sabah earlier this month, Kiandee said that the group was intact and the Bersatu move to the state was becoming a reality.



“It is good for Sabah as they will be another political option for the people,” he said on Friday (Feb 15).



When contacted, former Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said that the independents would hold a meeting soon and issue a statement.



He said Hajiji was currently performing the umrah and he was only expected back on Feb 23.



“We will meet after Feb 23,” he said without giving further comment.



There was no immediate comments from Warisan leaders as well their local state partners DAP, PKR and Upko.



Meanwhile, Opposition Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Lajim Ukin said that the Bersatu move is good as the party is a pillar of the Pakatan Harapan government.

“We are thankful for this decision. I believe Sabahans, especially the bumiputra Muslims and non-Muslims will choose Bersatu as the platform for their struggles, future and stability of politics in Sabah,” said Lajim.



