Sabah has record six senators under Najib
KOTA KINABALU: Umno Penampang chief Datuk John Ambrose's appointment as Senator is a privilege not only for Penampang but also for Sabah as a whole.
Upko Penampang Youth chief Carl Mosoom in offering his congratulations to John on the latter's appointment said it reflected Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's concern for Sabahans and also his desire to see that they had more voices in the Dewan Rakyat.
Mosoom in a statement yesterday pointed out that under Najib's leadership, there are six appointed Senators from Sabah including Upko Tenom divisional chief Senator Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul.
“This is record-breaking for Sabah and is yet another testimony that the current prime minister really takes care of Sabah compared to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who served 22 years as a prime minister,” he said.
Mosoom in his statement also took Moyog assemblyman Terrence Siambun to task for claiming that the power shift in Penampang was leaning towards Umno.
“His comment is laughable. He doesn't understand the spirit of power sharing among BN component parties. For example, Tenom is another stronghold seat for BN and the seat was given to Umno and an Upko divisional chief from Tenom was appointed as a Senator.
“This is the spirit of power sharing in BN and the main formula for a strong coalition party which Siambun, who is the treasurer for Parti Warisan Sabah, and all opposition parties in Sabah can only dream of.
“I am also pleased to hear Siambun praising Umno Penampang under the leadership of Senator Datuk John Ambrose for doing a good job bringing in funds for the benefit of Penampang folk as he and Penampang MP Darell Leiking had failed (to do),” he said.
Mosoom claimed that they were too busy politicking outside of their constituencies and had neglected their own constituency.
“We have received complaints they were never around to look after the people in Penampang during and after floods. It was BN who was on the ground and helping the people. We in Upko are very glad that all BN component parties are working hand in hand to recapture Penampang from PKR and DAP,” he said.
The Penampang District Council councillor also replied to Siambun's complaint about the Penampang clinic and SMK Kipuovo, which were promised by the BN government but yet to be implemented.
He said District Officer Luvita Koisun had said the projects were at a stage waiting for the approval of the development plans.
“As Upko Youth chief and also member of Penampang District Council, I am aware of the matter and am closely monitoring the actual progress. As an appointed councillor, our responsibilities are of utmost importance in serving the people we represent as well to ensure proper execution of our duties. Hence we are duty bound and that includes sharing sensitive information,” he said.
On Barisan Nasional Penampang, Mosoom echoed Luvita's social media that Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Senator Datuk Ambrose and also MCA Penampang chief Datuk Francis Goh are pressing hard for the councillors to expedite works for both projects.
“But we are looking at all angles including the safety aspects. We have seen many projects delayed including the one in opposition-run state like Penang where the proposed tunnel there is now the centre of controversy,” he said.
Mosoom expressed hope that people in Sabah will vote for BN as it is proven to be a strong and stable party to lead and run the state as well as the nation, unlike the opposition which can't even form a decent coalition but changes coalition in every PRU.