Felix
KOTA KINABALU: Newly-elected UPKO National Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang has called for inclusivity in the appointment of government posts.
Felix, who chaired his first UPKO Youth Exco Meeting at the party’s headquarters today said that the appointment of government posts has been a hot issue as of late; many have voiced out their opinions and stand on this issue.
“What happened recently, namely the appointment of the Community Development Leaders (PPM) and various other positions have caused dissatisfaction among many parties.
“As a leader, I am aware of the fact that you cannot please everybody. However, we must try our best to balance it out so that the harmony and unity between the parties in the coalition can be strengthened. There are many ways to address the issue if all parties are willing to sit together sincerely with open minds,” Felix said.
“Personally, I think that UPKO is party that is very practical, rational and realistic. We did not demand for things that are out of capabilities and strengths.
“To me, UPKO’s proposal in the issue of appointment is appropriate, logical and did not cross the line,” he said.
“If we look at the country’s current political development, inclusivity and the distribution of power in every level, from the rural areas to the highest level is vital in strengthening the people’s support towards the government ” Felix added.
He said UPKO Youth agrees with the proposal of the prompt establishment of Presidential Council – this is so that a more balanced and detailed discussions and consensus could be achieved for future appointments.
“For UPKO Youth, our intention and goal is clear, we want to see this coalition government become stronger; for the component parties to have a full cooperation, respect, confidence and trust between each other.
On a separate note, Felix said that UPKO Youth will stand firm behind the party’s leadership, under the newly elected president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau – to fight for the rights of Sabah
UPKO Youth fully supports UPKO’s stand in which it is wants all the identification cards to be taken back and to only give identification cards to those who are eligible for it, according to the Federal Constitution. The illegal immigrants issue in Sabah must be the top priority of the current government.
UPKO Youth also welcome the effort of the Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad to return the ‘equal partner’ status to Sabah. All Sabahans would surely be following the development closely, he said.
UPKO Youth is certain that Sabah and Sarawak MPs, both from the government and opposition would be fully supporting this – so that the rights under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 can be returned and implemented.
UPKO Youth also welcomes the Chief Minister’s commitment in addressing the illegal immigrants (PATI) issue and the Malaysian Agreement in his recent speech at UPKO’s 15th Triennial General Meeting.
Felix also thanked UPKO Youth for giving him the trust to carry out the duties of Youth Chief. He promised that he would give his level best for UPKO Youth.
He admitted that UPKO is going through a lot of challenges and even hatred, lies and false accusations by the opposition front; thus he had reminded the youths that they are the heirs of UPKO and that they should carry out their duties and responsibilities diligently.
Felix calls on UPKO Youth at the central, division and branch level to play their roles and responsibilities to pursue the agenda of the party.
Present in the meeting were UPKO Deputy Youth Chief Kennedy John Angian, Vice Youth Chief Petrus Conrad Mojuntin and other newly-elected Exco members.
Among the agendas deliberated were the appointment of UPKO Youth’s new Exco line up.
Several important matters were brought in the meeting, among which are the direction, planning, and other current pertinent issues faced by the party.