Be sensible in discussing 20 Points – Pairin

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PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan has called on Sabahans and local leaders to be sensible in discussing the 20 Points document.

He said the subject would always be important and close to the heart of Sabahans, but everyone must try to be balanced and honest when offering their views.

“The 20 Points is a subject matter which most, if not all of us, have heard about, read in newspaper. And there are those who have even done research and looked into the documents pertaining to the 20 Points.

“We in PBS too have raised this issue before, including myself, there is no question that the 20 Points is a very important subject matter.

“So we can’t blame anybody for defining the subject and you can’t stop people from issuing views and opinions, but whatever it is I think everybody will have to be sensible about it,” he said when met during the opening of State-level Kaamatan celebration at KDCA here yesterday.

The Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president and KDM Huguan Siou (paramount leader) said what had happened over the years was a matter of looking at the actual situation today so that a correct interpretation could be given to 20 Points, which was produced as a reference for the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

He said one should take into account and respect the views and opinions of others when forwarding his or her own interpretation.

“Being a historical document, whether some parts of it have already been included in the Malaysian Agreement, whatever is raised on the 20 Points will always be a subject matter, and the issue will always be raised by different groups of different opinions.

“How much interpretation you give is always important, how much (of Sabah’s rights under the 20 Points) has been given away, how much is protected are always important.

“So at any point in history, those who wish to give different interpretation or updated interpretation, opinions or views on the 20 Points must realize that they will attract other opinions, it’s always like that,” he added.

Asked if PBS will push for the government to make necessary adjustment to fully comply with the 20 Points document, he said BN leaders must take into account whatever issues being raised by the people.

The coalition, he added, could not simply ignore any opinions or views, especially with its leadership advocating a caring and sensitive government.

“This is what the BN top leaders have said that we listen to views. So, whatever views raised must be taken into account. In other words, they must also analyse the issues on 20 Points,” he said.

Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, cautioned the people not to easily fall for opposition’s promises in regards to the issue.

“Coming from particularly the opposition, it (views of 20 Points) is always full of promises. We don’t put any credit to that because the opposition has always been devious, never been straight,” he said, referring Pakatan Rakyat’s pledge to adhere fully all the conditions under the 20 Points by incorporating them into the Constitution.