Sandakan by-election: Anwar says PH needs support to bring about change

SANDAKAN: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Sandakan constituents to support the Pakatan Harapan government (PH) in order to change the previous “corrupt policies.”

Speaking at a DAP campaign talk, Anwar said the biggest PH achievement was toppling the "corrupted" Barisan Nasional government.

The Port Dickson member of parliament said hence, leaders who are interested in seeking titles and projects would have no place in the PH government.

“If there is any, we will promise to throw them out. That’s our principle…Now, we have to move on and rise up. We (the leaders) have to look after all races and help the needy because that is our stand.

“If Vivian (Wong Shir Yee) wins this (Sandakan) by-election, this will be her policies. She will not only carry the symbol of DAP but also PH. We want our government to be strong, so we can govern and change the corrupt policies.

“We need the support of our people, from Port Dickson to Sandakan. I hope the people will give their cooperation because Vivian will be the ‘wakil rakyat’ (elected representative) for everyone,” he told the crowd who responded with a thunderous applause.

Anwar arrived in Sandakan this afternoon (Tuesday), to rally behind DAP in the Sandakan parliamentary by-election. The Sandakan seat fell vacant after the death of Vivian’s father, Datuk Stephen Wong, who was state DAP chairman, on March 28.

Vivian will defend the seat against PBS candidate and former Batu Sapi member of parliament Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin as well as three independent candidates – Hamzah Abdullah, Chia Siew Yung, and Sulaiman Abdul Samat.

Speaking further on PH achievements, Anwar noted there are not many countries in the world that has succeeded in bringing phenomenal transformation from the old to a new system.

“Malaysia has surprised many, and this is an important point in history. I don’t deny that we do have problems, but we must stand strong and united. We must face the big problems and resolve them.

“For example, the security concerns in Sandakan. The police and army sacrifice themselves to protect the people. If possible, we need to resolve it properly and fast, otherwise the economy will not grow.

“Businesses and barter trade activities must continue. Our security must be number one and we must ensure there is no kidnapping and robbery.

“I’ve promised I will talk to the Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to try and find ways to expedite (security matter) because the people are facing problems,” he said.

Anwar urged the people to be patient, stressing that the PH government is doing its best to correct the old problems inherited from the BN administration.

“I am confident if we steer with the right policy and continue to fulfill the people's wishes, with all leaders looking after all races, the people of Sandakan will definitely support PH.”

By Avila Geraldine - May 7, 2019 @ 11:59pm