‘No drastic change in political situation’
Posted on August 6, 2012, Monday
PAPAR: The recent departure of Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin and Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing from the Barisan Nasional (BN) did not drastically change the political situation in the state, said a Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leader.
This is because the BN on the whole is very united and experienced in handling such matters, said PBS Pantai Manis Division chief Datuk Johnny Mositun.
“PBS itself will stay focused on matters at hand. Their departure is water under the bridge. Others will fill their places and BN will carry on from there,” he said.
Stressing that PBS would stay the course and continue its struggle for Sabah’s future as a BN member, Mositun said the opposition was trying to create a perception that the BN government had failed the people of Sabah.
“The BN’s agenda is a realistic one, not inclined to gimmicks and ‘quick fix’ populist moves just because of pressure from the opposition,” he said.
By way of explanation, Mositun said the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants was one such instance where the government had to adopt a careful and holistic approach because it was a serious, contentious and complicated matter.
“PBS has done its part and the Prime Minister has assured us the matter will be addressed. He will reveal the TOR (terms of reference) at his discretion, that is his prerogative. PBS will not pressure him or pre-empt his prerogative. PBS seeks no mileage from the matter, PBS only wants to see the problem of illegal immigrants resolved permanently, and it will be,” he said when opening the annual general meetings of PBS branches at Mukim Biau here.
Mositun added the BN government was aware of the dangers of racial polarization in the country and was taking positive steps to address the issue starting with efforts to redress the racial imbalance in the civil service and Armed Forces.
“In this context, PBS is of the view that the same principles should be adhered to in filling village and mukim level political posts. There must be a fair and equitable representation of BN component parties and ethnic balance when appointing such officials. This will strengthen BN solidarity at the grassroots level,” he said.
Mositun advised the PBS branch chiefs and officials to be united, tolerant and transparent when conducting their branch AGMs and avoid action or utterance that could create friction among members that could be exploited by political rivals and foes.
“As PBS Pantai Manis Division chief, I also advise branch chiefs to observe the rules and proper meeting procedures. You should update and verify your membership lists, and minutes of your AGMs must be recorded properly,” he said.
Urging the PBS Branches in Mukim Biau to be fully prepared to face the coming general election, he told those present that there were indications that the 13th general election could possibly be held as early as September or October if the Prime Minister so decides.
“It is possible Parliament may be dissolved after Dato’ Seri Najib presents the 2013 National Budget,” he said.
Mositun said that in a recent meeting with the secretary of the Election Commission (EC) in Kuala Lumpur, he had been told that the EC was ready to conduct a general election at short notice.
“But regardless of when the general election takes place, no matter who the BN candidates are and the component parties they represent, PBS will give full support and cooperation to ensure a solid BN victory in the coming general election,” he said.
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