PBS wants timely approval of new constituencies

PAPAR: Party Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is hopeful that the proposed 13 new state constituencies for Sabah will get the parliamentary nod in time for inclusion in the 14th general election (GE14).

“I know the people are very excited about these 13 new seats, but the EC (Election Commission) can only include them for GE14 after it has been presented in Parliament, and PBS is hopeful it will be done in the current sitting or the next at the latest.

“It is not just PBS members who are looking forward to this but Sabahans in general as well,” said PBS Secretary General Datuk Johnny Mositun after officiating at the joint opening of delegates meeting of the Pantai Manis, Kawang and Kimanis PBS Divisions here.

He said many delegates had asked him about the matter because one of the proposed and approved new state constituencies was Limbahau in the Papar parliamentary constituency.

“Their concern is understandable because they have been looking forward to this for a long time. They will be greatly disappointed if, for any reason, the new constituencies cannot be approved in time for GE14.

“As Pantai Manis PBS division chief, I can understand just how frustrated and disappointed they will feel. I hope the uncertainty will be dispelled quickly by the state government and Parliament as GE14 may be called earlier than scheduled for 2018,” he said.

Mositun said PBS also wished to thank the authorities for their quick and effective action to assist victims of the recent floods in the district.

“The district officer and other state and federal agencies were efficient, and the affected victims have all returned to their homes.

“I have personally toured the areas affected and made notes on how we can improve things in these flood-prone areas in the future. I will bring this to the attention of the authorities,” he assured.

Mositun said much had been done in terms of flood mitigation programmes for the district over the years, but continuing development and population pressures meant there could be no let up since the weather was not a thing that could be controlled by man.

“In this context, we are happy and thankful to the federal government for providing the state with a generous allocation of over RM200 million for flood mitigation projects on a sustained basis.

“The Chief Minister has also been constantly monitoring instances of natural calamities and has reminded local authorities and government agencies to be on their toes at all times as this involves the safety and welfare of the rakyat,” he said.

Mositun said he had also been asked by delegates to the annual general meetings about the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah, noting that many were indignant about being constantly criticised by the public as if nothing had come of the report prepared and submitted to the federal government for action.

“They were not happy that PBS was being blamed and unfairly accused of not doing its job just because Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan was the chairman of the working committee.

“They feel embarrassed because, so far, the government has not given any details or explanation on the RCI,” he said.

Regarding this issue, Mositun said PBS as a party also wanted Putrajaya to respond to the doubts and legitimate concerns of Sabahans with regard to the RCI and its recommendations.

“On my part, I told them that I would bring this matter to the party’s acting president. He can then take it up with the Chief Minister, who could then liaise with the Deputy Prime Minister who is handling this particular matter.

“Hopefully, some early explanation can be made. We don’t want to be burdened by this matter in the GE14 campaign,” Mositun said.