Dompok beating the gong to mark the opening of the UPKO National Convention.
KOTA KINABALU: It is high time for United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusun Murut Organization (UPKO) to raise issues pertaining to security especially along Sabah’s maritime borders.
Its president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok pointed out that at the moment there is no clear policy pertaining to the enforcement of the country’s maritime borders.
“The issue will, therefore, be an issue that will be taken up by the party as a future focus,” Dompok said when met by reporters after launching the UPKO National Convention at Dewan Masyarakat Menggatal here yesterday.
Dompok made the remarks when asked to elaborate on the issue of security which he touched in his policy speech earlier.
Dompok told the delegates that he was grateful for their concern as to what had happened in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.
“I do not want to give a long commentary about the issue because I know that our security forces are facing a tense situation. And while we all agree that all aspects must be taken into consideration for all action taken, we must not forget that the country’s law must be enforced and the sovereignty of the country is defended.
“It is also my hope that we all take the necessary precautions and not fall for rumours being spread about the incident,” the Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister stressed.
Dompok also said since Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak became Prime Minister, many tranformation initiatives in the government had been implemented.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah is also an initiative of the Prime Minster aimed at resolving the problem which had troubled people in the state, he said.
“While the solution to the problem has yet to be found, what I can see is the Government’s sincerity in resolving the issue. Other than that, there are also many issues that need to be brought up to the attention of the Government such as bringing more people under the concept of 1Malaysia, as everyone should be proud to be Malaysian,” he said.
Dompok also stressed that the Opposition especially PAS are now showing their true colours through their policies that would be implemented should they form the Government.
The Opposition’s policy is not suitable for a multiracial country like Malaysia especially when PAS wants to make it an Islamic state.
“I am happy that the BN Government has taken into consideration the views of the public on the matter, and I believe this will bring the country towards a more prosperous future,” he said.
Dompok also expressed his confidence that BN will continue to govern in Sabah as the Coalition’s chances of winning in all the state and parliamentary constituencies are very good.