Never undermine spirit of fair play — Fatimah

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DALAT: Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah yesterday advised aspiring politicians to embrace the spirit of fair play when promoting their programmes and agendas to the rakyat.

She said this was very important in order to not only preserve the prevailing peace and unity but also to win the hearts and minds of the people.

“All politicians have the right to express their views and opinions. But they must understand the limitations and boundaries of their actions. If they go beyond the limitations and boundaries, appropriate actions can be taken under the law.

“We don’t stop anyone from voicing out their opinions. We don’t stop anyone from becoming candidates in an election. This is a free democratic country. But their statements and actions must be made based on facts and truths, not lies,” she said.

Fatimah said these after the closing of  ‘Program JPAM Bersama Rakyat’ at Stadium Perpaduan Dalat yesterday. The programme was organised by the Civil Defense Department (JPAM) in collaboration with the Dalat District Office.

She was asked by reporters to comment on a story published by thesundaypost on July 11. That story quoted Parti Ekonomi Rakyat Sarawak Bersatu (PERSB) protem chairman Salleh Mahali as saying that he planned to contest against Fatimah in Dalat.

Fatimah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, said the Barisan Nasional (BN) in Dalat was ready to face the opposition anytime.

She revealed that the opposition was currently not only playing up local land and economic issues, but were harping on national issues as well.

“BN has a proven track record in bringing developments to improve the income and well-being of the people in Dalat. We, in the BN, do not look at only one side of development but the bigger picture for the whole state and country as we move towards becoming a high-income economy,” said Fatimah.

Also present at the press conference were Civil Defense Department (JPAM) director general Dato’ Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, JPAM Sarawak director Kol. (PA) Che Othman Hussin and District Officer Yussibnosh Balo.