DAP man takes on Pairin for Paramount Chief’s post

DAP Sabah Secretary Edwin Bosi said the KadazanDusunMurut Cultural Association should be revamped.

KOTA KINABALU: DAP Sabah Secretary and Kepayan Assemblyman Edwin Bosi has thrown down the gauntlet for the presidency of the Kadazan Dusun Murut Cultural Association (KDCA) traditionally held by the Huguan Siou (Paramount Chief) of the Orang Asal in Sabah and vice versa.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President and Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan currently holds both positions. Pairin, also Chief Minister from 1985 to 1994, was willing to eat humble pie in 2002 when the PBS rejoined the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) after suffering a spate of defections since 1994.

“Winning is not the main objective in challenging for the post,” explained Edwin in a statement.

“Someone should challenge Pairin. I want to see a revamp of the KDCA.”

Edwin confirmed that his challenge for the KDCA presidency has received the blessing of DAP Sabah chairman and Kota Kinabalu MP Jimmy Wong.

He did not explain how he would deal with the popular view that the position of KDCA President and Huguan Siou should not be politicised.

Analysts believe that Pairin’s position would become untenable if Edwin chalks up a credible number of votes. Pairin had recently openly talked about the qualities that his successor should have and fueled public speculation on his future.