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A Sabah-style 'Brexit' would be risky; lead to suffering: DPM

KIMANIS: Sabah would not wish to carry out a “Brexit” from Barisan Nasional as the risks are too high and the people will suffer.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in citing the move by the United Kingdom to opt out of the European Union, said the decision to separate is something the Brits are now regretting.

"Britain (voted for) 'Brexit' because it wanted change, (thinking that) standing on its own would ensure a stronger economy and such.

"But Sabah would not want this. Sabah would not want to see BN fail… If someone wants to bring Sabah out of Putrajaya’s sphere, the impact will be felt by the people and not the leaders (responsible for the separation).

"There are too many risks... So we need to maintain the current position," he told Umno party members present during the Sabah Umno Zone 3 (Kimanis, Papar and Beaufort divisions) delegates meeting here today.

The party vice-president, who is carrying out the duties of a deputy president, added that over 70 per cent of Sabahans believe in BN and want the coalition to continue its transformation and development programmes here, based on a structured survey.

"But the party machineries must ensure that the people's aspirations are translated. We do not want rhetoric, we want execution," he stressed.

Ahmad Zahid reminded the people of the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013, likening it to a “fox entering a chicken's den in disguise.”

"We don't want this in BN... At the same time, we do not want to see a repeat of Lahad Datu.

"Looking at the Marawi clashes – while no militants or terrorists have entered Malaysia – we need to be on guard and not let this happen.

"I am representing the Malaysian government and we will strengthen Eastern Sabah Security Command. We will increase our presence and the frequency of patrolling," he said.

On the local front, Ahmad Zahid reminded Sabah BN component parties not to pressure Chief Minister Musa Aman on seat allocations if the additional new 13 state seats come up for contest in the coming election.

What is important is for BN to win and rule comfortably, he added.

Zahid also announced RM1 million in allocations for each of the Sabah Umno Zone 3 divisions (Papar, Kimanis and Beaufort).

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