KENINGAU: President of Pertubuhan Kelahiran Pribumi Murut Sabah (Borneo), Datuk Bernard Maraat, has requested the state government to provide a chance for members of the Murut community to occupy key positions in the State and Federal civil services, including the post of district officers in the interior area for those qualified but have not given the opportunity to do so.
“It is time for this community to be given the opportunity to hold key positions in the State and Federal public services,” he said to The Borneo Post here yesterday.
According to Maraat, it was also time for the State government to accord recognition on the Murut people who had previously fought to liberalise the people in the interior at a time when several of its leaders fought for independence.
The former Pensiangan member of parliament said like Paduka Mat Salleh and other freedom fighters, the Murut fighters also fought for freedom from colonialism.
He said there was nothing wrong for Borneo to demand for the posts when the Chief Minister can wield his power to help his own people, if he is a true Dusun of the interior.
“We also demand for a Murut to be considered for a senatorship. Just do not put us aside since we are also an important member of society in this state when the election is around the corner,” he said.
Maraat added that the association must have the courage and vision to fight for its right guaranteed under the Federal Constitution as well as under the constitution of the association.
He expressed hope that the demand by Borneo will be viewed by the Chief Minister as a means of giving recognition to the community and not one as a claim for right.