Don’t be bribed by ‘towkays’ – CM

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Shafie (standing) reminds the Community Development Leaders not to involve in corruption.

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal has urged the newly appointed Community Development Leaders (PPM) to steer away from corruption.

Shafie warned that PPMs who were involved in negative behaviour would be replaced even before the end of their tenure.

He said the leaders should carry out their responsibilities diligently as they reflected the image of the State Government.

Additionally, Shafie said the PPMs would be monitored like the elected representatives.

“I have instructed the PPM Unit director (Abdullah Minun Sahirun) to call for meeting once a month for PPMs to submit their reports and voice out issues.”

He said the monitoring system was vital to ensure the government would not be confronted with various problems in the future.

He said that when witnessing the oath-taking ceremony of 60 appointed PPMs from all over Sabah here yesterday.

Shafie said PPMs ought to avoid mingling with ‘towkays’ (bosses) and go down to the grassroots instead.

“Do not spend your days settling the affairs of ‘towkays’ till you neglect the people.”

Shafie said he understood the temptations of taking bribes.

“I know that there are some ‘towkays’ who will ask you to bring up projects to the Chief Minister.

“There are many issues faced by the rakyat (people) at the grassroots … some are unemployed or have nothing to eat.

“If PPMs only care about the money you receive from ‘towkays’, you are working for the bosses, not the people.”

He said corruption was one of the reasons contributing to the downfall of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno.

“Do not follow the footsteps of the old leadership that was all about luxuries and power.”

Shafie said PPMs ought to be content with their salaries and avoid being involved in corruption as this would shatter the people’s hope towards the new government.

He said he had not moved to a new house or purchased new cars since becoming the Chief Minister.

“I only own a Ninja Turtle (Toyota Ninja) from the past. The Mercedes Benz I use now is owned by the State Government.

“I do not wish to see PPMs buying new cars or Ninja within three months or a year of their appointment.”

He said being appointed as PPMs was a heavy responsibility and the leaders should strive to be inclusive and work closely with other parties in the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan)-Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Upko State Government.

He said PPMs should be committed to serve people of all races, religions and political beliefs.

“We as leaders should serve the interests of the people and state of Sabah.

“Not solely the interests of Warisan, Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) or Upko.”

He said PPMs who only looked after the interests of their own political party, family and friends would cost their party the people’s support in the next election.

“I urge Warisan, PKR, Upko and DAP to forge close cooperation.

“For example, we have appointed DAP PPM for Likas but the leader should not just look after his own party members because DAP members are not the only ones who are going to vote in the next election.

“There are also Warisan, PKR and Upko voters (in the constituency),” he reminded.