The Malaysian Insight

THE Sabah PKR grassroots have warmed up to the idea of former minister Salleh Said Keruak joining the party, even though there has yet to be confirmation on his membership.

Although some grassroots leaders were initially upset at not being consulted after PKR’s online system appeared to show Salleh’s membership bid had been approved, the sentiment has now turned favourable, with the leaders believing that Salleh can help strengthen the party.

Keningau PKR deputy chief Antako Rasam told The Malaysian Insight that Salleh, who was communications and multimedia minister in the Barisan Nasional government, has wide experience at the state and national levels.

“His experience as chief minister and state assembly speaker, and his knowledge of every nook and cranny of Sabah, can only make PKR stronger.

“He also did not party hop as an elected representative,” said Antako, referring to the common practice among Sabah politicians.

“He is neither an assemblyman nor an MP, and I am sure he will start from the bottom.”

Other grassroots leaders, too, believe that Salleh’s lack of a position makes his membership application genuine, without hidden demands.

He contested the Kota Belud parliamentary seat for BN in the 14th general election but lost to his cousin, Parti Warisan Sabah’s Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, who is now deputy energy, science, technology, environment and climate change minister.

Salleh also never applied to join another party straight after quitting Sabah Umno late last year together with five MPs, nine assemblymen and 21 division heads. After leaving the BN lynchpin, he was briefly an adviser to the United Sabah Bumis Organisation.

The grassroots leaders said they feel that Salleh still wields political influence, which can be used to bolster the party.

Sabah PKR Youth chief Raymond Ahuar, however, cautioned that the former Umno strongman must “discard his old policies (under BN) and start afresh with PKR”.

“Salleh, without a doubt, has a wealth of experience, but we also need his commitment to recognise the essence of PKR’s struggle for reforms.”

State PKR leadership council member Stefly Said is of the view that Salleh can help expand the party’s influence in the lead-up to the next elections.

“I welcome those with experience into the party, more so those who are not assemblymen or MPs.

“I can see that he has influence among the grassroots. He also has experience handling elections. I am confident that he can be a great help to us for GE15.”

The decision to accept or reject Salleh’s membership application rests with the PKR leadership.

Party president Anwar Ibrahim, at the PKR congress in Sabah recently, said there was no problem in accepting Salleh into the fold, but the process must follow procedures and the matter was still under discussion.

This is because Salleh is regarded as a high-profile personality, and his application cannot be treated like “normal” ones, which are approved almost automatically.

“We have to seek state leaders’ views,” Anwar had said.

Salleh, on his blog, said he chose the multiracial PKR because the party reflects Sabah’s ethnic composition.

After leaving Umno, he said, his focus is Sabah’s future.

“I would like to help PKR bring progressive multiracial politics that prioritise stability and moderation, in particular to Sabah.”

Only Sabah PKR Youth information chief Razeef Rakimin warned that Salleh’s entry could threaten the positions of some office-bearers.

He added, however, that he believes Salleh is not seeking a position, but rather, wants to start new grassroots politics.

“I agree to him entering PKR, but from the bottom. If he is sincere about our reform agenda, the door is always open for him.”

Salleh had been a staunch supporter of Najib Razak, writing blog posts defending the former prime minister and BN administration.

To this, Razeef said Salleh is nevertheless scandal-free.

“If he was once in Najib’s shadow, now he’s free, and also free of any scandal.” – November 1, 2019.