KOTA KINABALU: Allocation for flood mitigation measures in Penampang has been approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman announced.
Musa, who is also Sabah Umno liaison chief, made the announcement at the Penampang Umno annual delegates meeting which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister cum Umno vice president Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Saturday night.
Without giving the actual amount of the allocation, the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chief said that the allocation would be ‘hundreds of million Ringgit’.
“In response to Penampang Umno chief Datuk John Ambrose’s request for the flooding problem in the district to be resolved, I am making this announcement on behalf of the (federal) government, that an allocation to do that has been approved under the 11MP,” Musa said to the applause of all the delegates and invited guests.
This, he stressed, reflects the concern of the BN government and leaders on the need to resolve problems affecting the rakyat.
Musa also called on Penampang Umno to continue working together with the BN component parties in the constituency so that the coalition can win back the three seats, Kapayan, Moyog and Penampang, that are now in the opposition’s hands.
“With the hard work and cooperation of all, it is not impossible to wrest back all the parliamentary and state seats in Penampang,” he said, adding that Umno is always ready to help its member parties in BN and has never betrayed them.
“We will support any BN candidate put up in the constituencies concerned and work towards ensuring that they are victorious in the election,” he pointed out.
Musa reminded Sabah Umno members not to be complacent or be influenced by emotions and extreme sentiments.
“Instead, we must continue to improve our standard of living together with Umno and BN through the various programs and policies implemented by the government. We, in Sabah Umno, pledge to continue to work hard towards strengthening the party’s strength, unity and solidarity,” he said.
Musa also called on Sabah Umno members to reduce polemic politicking among themselves and instead focus on strengthening the party as this will ensure that Sabah remains Umno/BN’s stronghold.
What is important is to ensure the success of the party’s struggles, especially when facing challenges, he said, adding that Sabah Umno will continue to stand strong and give undivided support to the party’s leaders.
“This is our stand from early on, this is my commitment, this is the will and resolution of all Sabah Umno and BN leadership,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, John, in his opening remarks, called on the government to resolve the problems in the district such as flooding, improving the road system and curbing criminal activities.
John said the district police station needed to be upgraded and the number of police personnel increased. This, he stressed, would reduce the people’s worry about criminal activities.