Solidarity in Sabah BN should be further strengthened – Musa

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) track record and ability to lead and bring more development in Sabah is a clear testament of the people’s trust and confidence in the coalition, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.

According to the Chief Minister, among the key basis that has helped strengthen the Sabah BN government is its loyalty to the coalition’s concept of leadership and to the leaders of the party as well as government.

“Apart from that, our unity and solidarity within the party needs to be further strengthened,” said Musa in his speech which was delivered by Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang when officiating at the 19th MIC Sabah Convention here yesterday.

“This aspect is important for us as a party to make sure BN remains strong and stable to continue serving to the best of our ability to the rakyat, who have given us the trust and mandate in the last election. Because of this we have to return the trust they gave by serving the people the best we can,” he added.

Musa believes the central and state MIC leadership will continue to care for the interests and socio-economic status improvement of Indians nationwide.

“This is proven through the launch of the Malaysian Action Plan for Indian Community (MIIB) by the Prime Minister,” said Musa.

“This effort clearly reflects the government’s stance and seriousness in implementing a holistic approach to addressing socio-economic issues and bridging the gap between the Malaysian Indian community and the other ethnic groups,” he added.

Meanwhile, MIC Sabah chairman Datuk V Jothi said the Indian community still face serious issues due to the different historical starting points of ethnic groups in Malaysia.

“This differences can trigger a sense of injustice and feelings of being marginalized if it continues for a few more generations,” noted Jothi.

However, the MIC Sabah chairman said a few landmark initiatives have been implemented by the government under Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak to overcome these issues.

These include the highly effective first Cabinet Committee on Indian Participation in Government Programs and Projects (CCIC) in 2008.

“I believe that with all the positive steps taken by the government and MIC, the Indian community will have a bright future under the BN rule,” he said.

“Through the various inspired transformations, it gives great meaning to the Indian community that changes take time and maturity to raise the nation’s commitment to developing the nation and its people,” he added.

MIC secretary general Datuk Sakthivel Alagappan, who represented the party’s president, Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam, and Barisan Nasional coalition leaders were among the dignitaries at the ceremony.