“Party unity is everything but some don’t seem to understand this,“ said Upko deputy Wanita chief Juliana Jani in response to Upko treasurer-general Marcus Mojigoh, who was quoted by local media as saying there were “minor cracks” in the party.
She said the women’s wing was appalled and disappointed with Mojigoh’s remarks.
“Most of the time, a political party is weak because internal splits make it weak.
“We really shouldn’t have to fight among ourselves. Instead, if our members and leaders are so feisty, I suggest they unite their strength and fight the external threats,” she said in a statement here today.
Jani said as was evident in many parties across the country, parties which had internal fighting would never be strong because they focused their attention on the wrong targets.
“Instead, efforts should be made to fight our external rivals.
“Although I’m not the most seasoned leader in the party, I know that we don’t wash dirty linen outside without going through proper communication channels within the party,” she said.
The Borneo Post quoted Mojigoh as saying the recent resignation of party leaders was worrying and that he had information more party members were thinking of quitting as well.
Mojigoh claimed the resignations of Upko Youth chief Arthur Sen and Supreme Council member Suip Saniman were just the tip of the iceberg, adding members from nine branches from his Putatan division, which he heads, have also left.
He attempted to allay fears on the party’s strength, saying it was still solid but acknowledged the resignations were like “minor cracks” in Upko’s foundation.
As such, he urged the party leadership to identify the reason for the resignations and to also speak to “those who are planning to exit”.