KOTA KINABALU, June 5 — Kukusan assemblywoman Rina Jainal has quit Parti Warisan (Warisan) to join Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan).
In a press conference today, Rina said she has also resigned from all of her posts in Warisan namely the Wirawati Kalabakan chief and vice central Wirawati chief with immediate effect.
Rina’s decision to join Harapan was announced by party president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah during the press conference.
“I chose to join Harapan as I believe we can bring more development to Tawau. The party is focused and works for the people in Tawau,” she said.
Rina said that her decision was made with a heavy heart as she was with Warisan for five years. Her journey with the party led by Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal started from the grassroots level all the way to the State Assembly.
She expressed hope that her move today would garner positive feedback although she knows that there are quarters that would not agree and accept it.
“Whatever it is, this is my personal decision,” she stressed.
To the question why she chose Harapan, as the party is not in the government and is not considered as one of the big players in the state’s current political arena, Rina said that after her meeting and discussion with Liew, they opined that Harapan is a party that can determine the fate of the people in Tawau especially in her constituency, Kukusan.
“I chose Harapan because this party is focused on working and serving the community in Tawau. This commitment inspired me to work harder for my constituency. I do not need to think about politics now... the power grabbing and all that. I only want to focus on servicing the rakyat (and) I know Harapan can give me the boost to help the people in my constituency,” she stressed.
When asked if her struggles now differ from Warisan’s, Rina said: “No. My struggle is still in tandem with Warisan which is fighting for the rakyat. But Harapan is more focused in my constituency and this means I too can be more focused in the area.
Rina added, “you can ask me more three months from now. There is no point for me to talk too much now as people will still make their own speculations. (All) I want to do now is work.
Liew, when asked if Harapan will appoint Rina to any posts in the party’s leadership, told reporters that the Kukusan assemblywoman will be assigned to a post that is suitable with her current responsibilities.
“We will propose in the supreme council for her to be the Women movement’s chief and Deputy party president. I need a deputy and a Women chief who is sincere... one who joined us without conditions.
“In a party or organisation, if all have personal interests then it will be very difficult to serve the people. But Rina is seen as a politician who has the interest of the rakyat close to her heart and to me she is qualified,” Liew added.
Liew, to the question if there will be more elected representatives joining Harapan, was of the opinion that if Rina can prove to do her best in the next three months then more would be following her footsteps.
“We do not go around and lobby for them to join us, we want them to come with sincerity. If I have 10 elected representatives but they don’t work for the rakyat, there is no meaning. But if I have one elected representative like Rina who is working for the rakyat it is what the people hope for.
“Harapan’s doors are always open to those who share our ideals and struggles. I however appeal to all not to slander Rina (as) she is an elected representative who serves the people. Give her the opportunity and support her as she is the future leader of the party which needs younger leaders,” he stressed.
Liew, who is former Merotai assemblyman, was also asked if he will be contesting in the 15th general election.
“Harapan is not greedy and we have never lobbied (for seats) but if the state leadership gives us the confidence and trust, we will join the fray,” he said. — Borneo Post
