SAPP boss complains of threats

KOTA KINABALU, June 23 — Leaders from the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) have been threatened since the party agreed to back any motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last week, party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said in a statement today.

"Events in the last 24 hours have taken a disturbing turn," Yong said, adding party leaders have been advised not to underestimate the risky consequences and likely threats to them. The former Sabah chief minister himself is under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) a day after he announced the party's lack of faith in Abdullah.

He outlined several threats against party leaders, among which were illegal banners instigating unspecified action against Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui appearing overnight in Tawau, an Umno gathering on Sunday in Kota Kinabalu where racial incitement was used, a planned demonstration at the Tawau MP's office tomorrow and several text messages and unidentified phone calls implying threats to the two MPs and their aides.

Chua and the other SAPP MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) did not turn up in Parliament today to move or support any anti-PM motion which Yong explained was a result of the disturbing turn of events.

"SAPP has taken extra caution for the safety of the MPs by calling them back to the party HQ in Kota Kinabalu for consultations on the next course of action, including the safety of their persons and families and the security of their offices," he said.

He added the party, which also has four state assemblymen that forms part of the Sabah government, appreciates the support for its move against Abdullah. While SAPP is against the prime minister, it has not left the 14-member Barisan Nasional coalition.

"Media discussions, be it in favour or not of SAPP, have successfully brought the Sabah issues to the national focus. Never shall Sabah be looked down upon again," Yong added.
 TheMalaysianinsider