KUCHING: People living in the four Pakatan Rakyat-ruled states are currently “in a bad situation” and with “Selangor being the worst”.
Malaysia would face the same fate if Pakatan comes into power in the impending 13th general election, said Datuk Dr James Dawos, Deputy Minister of Tourism, during a Chinese New Year gathering organised by Kuching-Samarahan Wholesale and Distributors Association at Dewan Masyarakat Tapah near here recently.
He urged Sarawakians not to fall for the empty promises pledged by Pakatan lest economic growth and unity are compromised. The states under Pakatan rule are Selangor, Kelantan, Kedah and Penang.
Mambong MP Dawos said the people of Selangor were suing their Menteri Besar and the Selangor state government for not being able to provide free water as promised during the 12th general election in 2008.
“They promised to give allowances to single mothers and the elderly, but the Selangor state government does not have the money to do so.
“They received federal funds that were meant for infrastructure development but they did not use it for development projects. This is happening and will continue to happen if they are put in power.”
Dawos said all trust should remain with the Barisan Nasional government for “it (BN) does not cheat nor go around telling people they can do things which they never do.”
On the conflict taking place in Sabah, he said the authorities were in the midst of identifying the mastermind behind it.
“We are now looking into who in Malaysia is responsible for instigating the Sulus. It has been cited on Facebook that some Malaysian are involved.
“How can we trust them to rule the country? What will happen if they are put into power?” asked Dawos, without naming anybody.
Noting that a 120-member delegation from the association would be visiting Singapore soon, Dawos pledged a RM40,000 government grant to facilitate the trip.
“I hope you will promote local Sarawak food to Singaporeans.”
Earlier, Kuching-Samarahan Wholesale and Distributors Association chairman Lee Pui Siong said wholesalers and distributors in the city had been longing for a permanent trading site.
“We need a home so that we do not have to brave the rain. We hope to receive good news from the state government as soon as possible.”
Assistant Minister for Public Health Dr Jerip Susil, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang were among those present.