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KOTA KINABALU: One of Kadazan-Dusun’s most popular seats is experiencing a tug of war after a Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) division chief resigned and joined Sabah STAR in protest as the elections for the September 26.
Datuk Dr. Othman Minuddin and several others are believed to have left PBS for Sabah STAR following a dispute over Paginatan’s seat.
His departure was announced on the Facebook page of Sabah STAR President Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan on Monday (September 15).
In the released footage, the president of Sabah STAR was seen warmly accepting Othman and a few others, believed to be members of the division, at an event.
The Paginatan state seat is undergoing a nine-way brawl, where opposition allies like Barisan Nasional, PBS and Sabah STAR are ready to face each other.
A statement issued by PBS Paginatan deputy division chief Faustian Thomas on Tuesday (Sept. 15) stated that Othman and others left the match for Sabah STAR because they wanted division deputy chief Juis Konsuling to face off against Paginatan.
PBS sent its Supreme Council member Arthur Sen to compete on Paginatan.
Faustian said during an unspecified meeting, Othman had said that the division would support any decision made by the party’s top leaders.
“In fact, our intention was also made public through an August 25 statement and in speeches made during meetings with the rank and file.
“So it was really shocking that he flipped from the decision made earlier and, worse yet, left PBS for another party,” he said.
Faustian also said that the PBS machinery at Paginatan would not be affected by the departure of Othman and others.
“Everything continues as usual and we will continue to campaign for our candidate and ensure the victory of PBS,” he said.
“We will also meet soon with the top leaders to discuss the next course of action against those who left the party,” he added.
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