PBS backs calls for DPM from Sabah, Sarawak

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PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is echoing the call for a Deputy Prime Minister to be appointed from Sabah and Sarawak.

Party president Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan said the suggestion to have a special Deputy Prime Minister to look into the affairs of the two states was nothing new as the opposition had made the same call.

“PBS’ stand in this matter is very clear; we support the suggestion as it is the wish of Sabahans and Sarawakkians,” he said in his welcoming speech at the PBS 32nd annual delegates conference here yesterday.

Pairin contended that if the post can provide better representation for Sabah and Sarawak in the administration of the country, then there is no reason not to accept the suggestion.

“The federal government’s role is to consider the merit of the suggestion including the need to consider the legal requirement in the appointment to the post. No matter what the circumstances, we will respect the decision and wisdom of the Prime Minister in giving due consideration to the suggestion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his speech when opening the conference said he would do all he could to help Sabah prosper.

“We have good leaders in Sabah who can work with me. Have confidence that BN is the best choice for Sabah as it is determined to ensure that the future of the rakyat and the state is bright.

“The opposition is now in chaos so how to expect them to govern the country when they cannot even follow their own constitution,” he stressed.

He also took a pot shot at former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad for saying that he wanted to help Sabah.

“This person was in power for 22 years but did not do anything for Sabah; only now he is saying that he wants to help Sabah. If he wanted to help why not do it when he was in power?

“We need a government that can make our future not one that lies or ‘buyuk’ the people,” said Najib.

Also present at the event was Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, who is also Sabah BN chairman.