A key concern in the state is that PPBM’s foray into Sabah will see another Umno in the making.
But businessman Juma’at Abd Rahim, 30, attributed such fears to a lack of understanding about the party’s real purpose.
“The way I see it, about 70% of the people are keen on PPBM setting foot in Sabah.
“PPBM will ensure checks and balances in the development of Sabah, so that it will be on par with other states in Malaysia,” he said.
Syara P Gom, 45, agreed that PPBM’s entry to Sabah would benefit the state administration through a direct link to Putrajaya.
Noting that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is the chairman of PPBM, she said the Sabah government, led by Warisan, should view this development as an opportunity to strengthen its rule of the state.
“This should also be a pathway to secure more funds from the central government, so that it is not less than what is rightful for Sabah,” she said.
Farmer Ramlan Mohd said Mahathir had already given assurance that PPBM is not entering Sabah to take over from Warisan.
“Mahathir said PPBM would support Warisan, so the people should take this in good faith.
“Sabahans should be optimistic about two strong parties working together. More can be realised for Sabah, especially on state rights,” he said.
But event planner Eleanor Celeste M Lusoc, 35, said PPBM is just “another mechanism to manipulate the political geography of Sabah”.
“People want Sabah to be governed by a local-based party as the ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ sentiment is still strong.
“They will see it as another Umno manipulating our system,” she said.
Oil and gas worker Hector Stephen agreed that PPBM’s entry to Sabah would be a step backwards.
“Sabahans have had enough. We have been trying to change our luck since Umno came in,” he told FMT.
“Since the people voted for the parties they wanted and, in doing so, made the change in government at the last polls, we should maintain the status quo, at least until the next election if they don’t perform.”
Jamain Sarudin, chairman of NGO Solidarity Rakyat Pro-Sabah, noted that many in the Sabah PPBM leadership would be former state Umno members.
“They are only changing logos. The people are still the same.
“If there is a reshuffle in the state Cabinet and PPBM is included in the line-up, there is bound to be friction.”