KOTA KINABALU: Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) is unfazed by its political rivals' claims that Sabahans will reject the party, which is set to launch its chapter in the state on May 22.

       Sabah Pejuang information chief Winston Hassnal said its rivals were “feeling the heat” from the party’s plan to set foot in the state.

       “This is because they have no excuses to dismiss the spirit and extraordinary support towards Pejuang,” he said in a statement on Sunday (May 1).

       He added that Sabah had the third most Pejuang members in the country after Kedah and Selangor.

       “This is clear proof the party led by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as chairman and Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir as president are favoured by Sabahans,” he said.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was among those who had dismissed Pejuang's chances in the state.

       Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional chief, said Pejuang was welcome to spread its wings to the state but was doubtful it would receive support from the people as it lost heavily in the Johor state election in March.

       Winston also said Sabah Pejuang would be open to cooperation with other parties.

       According to him, a national party recently met with Pejuang and expressed its interest in working together for the coming general election.

       “After Sabah Pejuang is launched, we will focus on the general election which is due any time,” he said.