Anifah: Sabah MPs not on warpath, just beating war drums

Anifah Aman, shares SAPP sentiments but prefers to work with government. — picture by Choo Choy May

Anifah: Sabah MPs not on warpath, just beating war drums
By Debra Chong

PARLIAMENT, June 23 - Sabah Umno MP Datuk Anifah Aman, told reporters in the lobby after lunch that Sabah MPs are not on the warpath to bring down Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but they are "beating on war drums" to exert more pressure on the prime minister to address the issues that plague the state.

"We're not exactly on the warpath; we're just beating the war drums," said the Kimanis MP.

He also rebutted the prime minister's perception that many Sabah politicians were self-serving. "It's not something we want for ourselves, but for the people."

Sabah is among the most underdeveloped states in the country, he said.

According to the official statistics, it is the second poorest, after Kelantan.

Anifah also said that all Sabah MPs share the same sentiments as Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, who last week sought a "no-coinfidence vote" against the prime minister for failing to live up to his promises. The only sentiment they do not share is the vote of no confidence.

"It's not right for me, morally, to address it in Parliament when...the prime minister has responded. Though it's not up to expectations, we're willing to wait.

"(When) You asked (for) something, (you) must also be patient to accept

whatever...If they're making efforts to address the issues, we're willing to wait but they need to be concrete plans," he said.

He also debunked statements made by the Opposition's unofficial leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that some Sabah MPs have pledged to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat side.

"He can make as many statements as he wants. I'm making my stand clear - I'm not going to jump ship now. I've not met him (Anwar) and I refuse to meet anyone (else from Pakatan)," Anifah said.

"The only people who can assist us is the government, right? My wish is for the government to help the people. Why should I go to the Opposition when we are in government? I want to exhaust all avenues first."

Though he admitted that he had not yet met up with the two SAPP MPs, Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui and Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun, he believes that they too will stick with the BN for now and not move to the other side.