Kota Belud Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PAN) divisional chief Daibi Mandadi said he would lead the majority of his committee members and supporters in submitting application forms to join BN’s United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) this weekend.
“It is not that I do not love PAN. It is just that I want to see the lives of the people getting better.
“I can see that Upko and its candidate is on the right track in doing so,” he said in a statement today.
Mandadi, an elder in the Borneo Evangelical Church, had been issued a letter of endorsement by PAN president Henrynus Amin to contest in the May 9 general election.
“I was all set to file my nomination but when it was confirmed that BN, through Ewon Benedict of Upko, is contesting, I decided otherwise. My division backed me up,” he said.
“My objective in entering politics was to provide leadership, especially for our Kadamaian people.
“Ewon is very capable of doing so. Thus, in many ways, my objective has been achieved. I will always be around to render assistance when needed.”
Benedict is Upko’s Kota Belud division chief and political secretary to the Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Yahya Hussin.
Mandadi said leaving PAN could mean the Kota Belud division would have to be dissolved “but as per procedure, it is the PAN leadership’s call. I wish them all the very best”.
Upko acting president Wilfred Madius Tangau, who is scheduled to visit the constituency this Sunday, is expected to receive the group’s applications.
PBS candidate Timbon Lagadan lost to PKR’s Jeremy Malajad by 889 votes in the 2013 general election.