More members roped into Jeffrey’s opposition group

(The Star) – Political figure Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan is putting together an Opposition front comprising Sabah and Sarawak parties to fight Barisan Nasional in the coming polls.

Apart from the pressure group United Borneo Front (UBF) that he heads, Dr Jeffrey has so far roped in the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and the unregistered Usno Baru into his Borneo Alliance.

His aides said the alliance, which would be launched on Jan 6, includes the Sarawak Reform Party.

“We will be discussing the use of a common symbol for the coming election,” Dr Jeffrey said when launching the UBF’s first anniversary gathering here yesterday.

SAPP deputy president Amde Sidek, Usno Baru pro tem chief Datu Badaruddin Tun Mustapha and Sarawak Reform Party president Dr Dripin Sakoi were present.

Asked about support for the Opposition being split between the alliance and Pakatan Rakyat, Dr Jeffrey said he would like to see it being averted.

Dr Jeffrey said Sabah and Sarawak parties should come together as an alliance in the election as the 166 parliamentary seats in the peninsula and Labuan were equally split between Barisan and Pakatan.

“Sabah and Sarawak are now kingmakers and we must quickly capitalise on this opportunity,” he said.