KENINGAU: Allegations that Sabah has been colonised by the federal government is a lie aimed at manipulating the people for their support in the coming general election, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said on the other hand, the state government had always co-operated with the federal government to develop Sabah.
“The state government, administered by a cabinet of ministers, holds weekly meetings to decide on the direction of comprehensive development in Sabah, other than development projects from the federal government.
“So the accusations of certain quarters that Sabah is being colonised is a big lie,” he told reporters after launching a meeting with community leaders for the interior zones, here, yesterday.
Musa, who is also State Finance Minister, said as the second biggest state in the country, Sabah needed a large allocation from the federal government to develop infrastructure and boost the socio-economy of the people.
In this regard, he reminded the people not to be duped by the propaganda of the opposition who often raised issues to belittle the policies of the government.
Musa said the government recognizes and appreciates the services of community leaders who are the eyes, ears and voice of the government at village level.
He said the strong teamwork between leaders, government officials and community leaders could impact and benefit the people under their care.
“I am confident that cooperation and strong support at grassroots level of their leaders can benefit the people,” he said.
Musa also requested that leaders go to the ground to strengthen cooperation and get the people’s support for Barisan Nasional (BN).
He said the role of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), village heads and representatives of native chiefs is important as they provide information on government policies to the people who live in the rural areas who are without telecommunication and media channels.
“I want community leaders to explain government policies so that the people will not be misled by accusations from the opposition,” he added.
Musa also said Prime Minister Dato Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak is always aware of what is good for the people, and as citizens, they should be grateful and thankful for the development and progress enjoyed by the nation and state.
He said the people should not waste time with opposition parties as they are just spreading lies for political gain.
“Do not be easily influenced by the opposition’s sweet talk. I consider opposition leaders who come to villages as medicine vendors,” he said.
He cautioned the people not to listen to opposition leaders who had never worked for the people while BN leaders had worked hard for the people’s welfare and future regardless of time and place.
However, he said the people of Sabah are smart and are not easily influenced by the opposition who only appear during an election.
Musa said BN leaders have their respective roles where the people’s representatives and community leaders at village level could implement planned government programmes.
He said Sabah is BN’s stronghold because the people are grateful to the ruling government.
He urged the people of Sabah, especially those from the Interior, to vote for BN in the coming election in order to continue with the government’s development plans.
However, he said if the people chose wrongly, Sabah’s development would be left behind.
Musa however believes that the BN will rule after the election which will be held anytime.
“One of Sabah’s BN track records is a strong financial and efficient management, and I ask BN leaders in the interior areas to continue to show a caring attitude so that no villages are left out in the mainstream of development,” he said.
About 3,000 people, including Deputy Chief Minister and Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan , Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, Rural Development Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun attended the function.