BN’s unity is reason for our success – PBS

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PAPAR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has enjoyed uninterrupted political success since independence because its component parties are disciplined, committed and united in facing general elections.

“BN’s unity and solidarity is the reason for our success over more than half a century. In that time BN has brought about tremendous physical, economic and social changes, but there is still much more to do for the state and our people. PBS is fully conscious of the need for unity, a spirit of give-and-take, so that BN may retain the mandate to carry on the agenda of development for the state and country,” PBS secretary general Datuk Johnny Mositun said when receiving 70 new members into PBS at Kampung Labak near Kinarut .

Mositun assured the residents over concerns that Labak would not be included in the proposed new state constituency of Limbahau.

“No. There is no truth to such rumours. The proposed boundaries for the new state constituency of Limbahau are on display at the Papar District Office.  Labak is included as one of nine polling centres for Limbahau, and so is nearby Langkuas,” he said to applause from those present.

Mositun added the Election Commission had only proposed a few name changes for Sabah’s 13new state constituencies from the original names announced last September, but the proposed boundaries would not be changed.

“The only change in the re-delineated Papar parliamentary constituency is the name of this new state constituency to Limbahau from Dambai as earlier announced,” he told an obviously relieved audience.

Mositun said he was fully satisfied with the latest proposals from the Election Commission, especially with the name Limbahau.

“This was the name first proposed when we lobbied hard for an additional state constituency for Papar. When it was named Dambai, we submitted objections  as there are many places around Kota Kinabalu, even as far off as Ranau and Keningau called Dambai. Limbahau, on the other hand, was established as far back as 1881 and is synonymous with the larger part of the area this constituency covers. It is also more heavily populated than that part of Papar district known as Dambai. I am relieved and happy that the EC has responded positively,” he said.

Asked if PBS would represent BN in Limbahau in the next general election, Mositun said it was up to the state and federal BN leaderships to decide.

“I am aware that Upko and Umno have expressed their readiness to represent BN in Limbahau for  14th general election (GE 14). PBS is also keen and ready to do so as we too enjoy good support in this area. For over 20 years I have headed the PBS Pantai Manis Division here, and I can say with confidence that PBS can carry the day for BN in Limbahau if given the responsibility,” he said.

Mositun advised PBS members and supporters in Limbahau to start preparing and mobilizing the party machinery for the 14th general election, which might be called next year.

“That is not impossible, because GE 14 must be held not later than mid-2018, and we have had many general elections before the expiry of a full five-year term. So it is possible that GE 14 might be next year. If that happens, we must be prepared. I think it is best we take no chances, so prepare yourselves early. Update your membership registers, recruit as many new members as possible, set up your ‘markas’ (operation centres) and start going down to the grassroots. For the first time you have your own constituency, so don’t be complacent,” he said.