Sabah MPs reject loyalty pledge

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 29 —Sabah Barisan Nasional MPs have rejected the idea of a pledge of loyalty, a move bound to fuel more political uncertainty.

The decision also confirms speculation that several MPs from the state are keeping their options open.

Yesterday, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal lead a group of about 20 MPs in calling speculation that they were crossing over to Pakatan Rakyat nothing more than lies by irresponsible parties.

He said the MPs would sign a pledge of loyalty to the ruling coalition to be sent to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"We are not commodities to be bought and sold. We have our honour," he told a press conference in the Parliament lobby.

Today, Kimanis MP Datuk Anifah Aman said he would not sign such a pledge, saying it was "degrading and humiliating”.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh, who also said he would not sign such a pledge, said the pledge seemed to infer that Sabah MPs could not be trusted.

Karambunai MP Datuk Eric Majimbun, the Sabah Progressive Party deputy president, said neither he nor fellow SAPP MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui of Tawau would be signing such a pledge.