Dropped incumbent Mojuntin says to work for BN victory

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PENAMPANG: Moyog incumbent assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin, who was dropped from UPKO-BN candidate line-up for the 13th general election, has pledged to focus his effort on ensuring a resounding victory for UPKO candidates in Penampang and Moyog.

“And we will also, of course, be working for the success of our Barisan Nasional (BN) comrade in Kepayan. That is our imperative. After that then we can decide what other ways we can contribute to developing Penampang further,” he said.

UPKO president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, when announcing the party’s candidates yesterday, said Datuk Philip Lasimbang will be contesting in Moyog. Lasimbang was Moyog’s assemblyman before he was replaced by Donald in the 2008 election.

“Irrespective of my feelings or the feelings of others who were hoping to be candidates, the important thing is to forge ahead because it took a lot of blood and sweat to get to where we are as a party that is effective in BN.

“We cannot throw away all that we have worked for and achieved just based on emotions. The party has made a decision. Decisions are made after looking at various factors and having deep discussions.

“Once decisions are made we accept and respect it. The most important thing now is to ensure that all our candidates win in their constituencies to contribute a victory for BN,” he stressed.

When asked about his advice for his supporters as some have threatened not to vote for UPKO and BN if he was not contesting, Donald appealed to them not to be ruled by their emotions.

“My advice would be to look at the bigger picture rationally. Please come out to vote. Please vote for UPKO for effective representation in government. Please vote for BN to ensure continuity of progress and transformation in our beloved country.

“We should look to our political past as lessons for the future. Many a time decisions were ruled by emotions. More times than not we are disappointed with the results. I think this time round we must be more rational and more in tune with the political realities in Malaysia.

“We are in politics to ensure that we have voice and we have role to play in nation building. We ensure that we play a vital part to preserve the democracy and the harmony that exists in this country.

“And equally important is to ensure that this country remains stable economically because as we know if the country is not economically stable, everybody suffers,” he said.

Donald added that now that the candidacy issue has been settled, UPKO should consolidate, unite and focus on the struggle of the party.

“UPKO was built up from grassroots. It is very important that grassroots maintain its support. We started in a modest way but we have grown into a party that is effectively representing its people.

“In facing this general election, I hope all UPKO members will unite and work cohesively to ensure victory for UPKO and BN. I’ve had two terms as an elected representative. Once as Penampang member of parliament and last term as Moyog assemblyman. It has been a privilege and honour to have served the people as an elected representative. I feel very thankful to everyone who has given me not only the support but also the cooperation and inspiration during my tenure. I fervently hope that this type of support will continue to ensure victory for our candidates in the coming polls,” he said.