PBS Kiulu Division Is Intact, Says Dr Maximus

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the PBS Kiulu division was intact, despite claims to the contrary by division chief Sindin Ranggangon that it was dissolved.

"It is nonsense for Sindin to announce the dissolution of the Kiulu division when proper procedures were not followed.

"Sindin has no power to dissolve branches or division," he told Bernama here Monday.

Dr Maximus, who is also science, technology and innovation minister, was asked to comment on Sindin's claims today that the PBS Kiulu Division was dissolved at a special meeting in Kampung Pukak Sunday, with the majority of its office-bearers reportedly resigning their posts.

Sindin, who was issued a show-cause letter recently for suggesting party president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan hand over the leadership to another leader, resigned from the party with immediate effect.

He also declared his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

Dr Maximus said the support of the party, especially in Kiulu, remained solid.

"Sindin is not a real loss to the party. He has saved time for the disciplinary committee from holding its next meeting and take the necessary action on him," he said, adding that the party headquarters would appoint an acting division chief among the remaining members of the division soon.

On Aug 14, the PBS disciplinary committee issued a show-cause letter to Sindin for asking Pairin to hand over the reins of the party to other PBS leaders.

He had suggested Dr Maximus as the most appropriate.

Meanwhile, PBS secretary-general Datuk Radin Malleh said there was no provision in the party constitution that allowed an individual to dissolve a division.