SANDAKAN: Sabahans should be cautious not to be swayed by the local parties’ messages claiming that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is fighting for their interests.
The Chairman of Barisan Nasional Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Bun Moktar Radin, mentioned that those who rely on ‘anti-Malaya’ sentiments are showing extreme views that do not help the people in Sabah.
He said the state is still facing challenges with infrastructure and poverty.
Bung Moktar, the Sabah Umno chief, said that the local party coalition’s actions seem to be overly focused on pacifying the dreams of the people of Sabah rather than truly representing their aspirations.
He believes that the coalition is more concerned with their own political survival than with uplifting the people from poverty.
“If we look at the political history of Sabah in the past, the state was once ruled by local parties from the time of Usno, Berjaya, to the PBS party (all local parties), but we can measure to what extent these local parties can play a role in bringing about change as expected by the people of Sabah who are in a state of backwardness,” he said.
Bung Moktar said in his speech at the Sabah BN Convention at the SMJK Tiong Hua Sandakan Community Hall here last Sunday.
The event was officiated by the Chairman of BN and Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Also present were the Secretary-General of BN, Datuk Seri DR Zambry Abd Kadir, Vice-Presidents of Umno, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin Kahlid Nordin, UMNO Wanita chief, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, and PBRS president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Bung Moktar attributed the failure to its leaders prioritising personal political interests rather than the interests of the people.
“If this failure occurs, they blame BN, while in fact at that time some of their leaders were in BN/Umno and now are in GRS.
“They need to accept the fact that BN, which has ruled Sabah for nearly 18 years, has brought about many changes, especially in the provision of basic infrastructure such as roads (Pan Borneo Highway Project), schools, and hospitals, all of which are the result of the BN government’s efforts,” he said.
Bung Moktar, who is also the Kinabatangan Umno division chief, also criticised those who often play on sentiments, claiming that UMNO, a party from the Peninsula, is trying to seize the rights of the people of Sabah as a response that is too prejudiced and could hinder the concept of a united government.
He stressed that UMNO, which has been rooted in Sabah for 33 years, is led by local people, including himself, who is also a native of the state.
“In fact, those who speak like this have loose tongues, so we should not be lulled by the incitement and hatred of our enemies. In Sabah, we in UMNO try to get along with everyone and with all parties,” he said.
According to him, such political games are excessive, causing racial issues that can affect unity in the country.
“The people in this state need to learn from history, when there were oppressed races, so that several Sabah leaders (including those in GRS at present) asked UMNO to expand its wings to Sabah to create political stability so that the people of various races are not neglected,” he said.
In the meantime, Bung Moktar said it is time for the machinery in the state to strengthen the party to face the upcoming state election.
“We need to learn from this; we can’t delay anymore; we can’t be stagnant,” he said.
