KOTA KINABALU: Kota Belud member of parliament Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan yesterday clarified that the debate between DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang and himself on the proposed Tambatuon Dam project has been postponed.
Abdul Rahman who is also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary, said the postponement was due to the fact that BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would be in the state on September 24, which is the date of the debate.
“Tan Sri Muhyiddin will be officiating the United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusun Organization’s (UPKO) triennial delegates congress on September 24 which clashes with the date of the debate. As secretary of Sabah BN, it is incumbent upon me to be present at the UPKO triennial delegate congress,” he said in a statement.
There is no intention to cancel the debate at all, he stressed, adding that his request for the postponement was due to the visit by the Deputy Prime Minister and UPKO’s congress.
“Anyway, the issue of the proposed Tambatuon Dam would not run away even if the debate is held on a different date. It would still be there when the new date is agreed upon.
“I believe the debate is a good platform to inform the public of the actual reasons and facts regarding the proposed Tambatuon Dam since too many speculations are circulating around and half-truths and false facts, especially by the opposition,” he said.
“I hope DAP understands the situation and would agree to a new date and do not politicize the issue of the postponement. I have debated with DAP MPs in parliament on so many occasions on national and state issues and there is no reason for me not to debate then on issue affecting my constituency,” he added.
According to Abdul Rahman, he received an SMS from Lim’s representative on August 24 suggesting that the debate be held on September 24.
“I agreed to the date and my office immediately made preparations, including the booking of a community hall and notifying the relevant authorities (police, district officer etc).
“Unfortunately, in early September, I received a letter from UPKO to inform me that their triennial delegate congress would be held on Septemer 24. They further mentioned that the opening ceremony would be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister cum BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyddin,” he said.
Subsequently, Abdul Rahman said he informed DAP, through SMS and calls, of the clash in the date and asked for postponement.