Native chiefs warned against supporting opposition
SANDAKAN: Stern action will be taken against native chiefs found consorting with opposition parties and being promised high position as such action would deem them to be silent enemies of the government.
Sabah Native Affairs Council (MHEANS) president Datuk Mohamad Haji Alamin said he has received information on native chiefs being offered high position by the opposition.
“We have received information that this is one way the opposition parties try to garner support from native chiefs by offering a high position or something lucrative.
“I, therefore, wish to remind all native chiefs that they need to act professionally. If they want to quit from being a native chief, then they should do it now. Don't be a silent enemy. Do not wait to be fired for disobeying the government. A native chief is the customary symbol that is highly honoured by the communities. Thus, they should not sacrifice the people's trust trust in them by consorting with parties that are critical of the government,” he warned.
Mohamad, who is also Bongawan assemblyman, advised native chiefs not to be misled by offers from the opposition who actively disseminate criticism of the BN government.
He also said that he is authorised to monitor and investigate reports of native chiefs who are suspected of being a silent enemy and will not hesitate to take firm action against them.
Mohamad was speaking to reporters after presenting appreciation certificates to 11 retired native chiefs at the ‘Turun Padang Bersama KetuaKetua Adat' program held at the Pavilion Hotel her on Thursday.
Meanwhile, commenting on the statement alluded to Tun Mahathir Mohamad claiming that the people of Sabah and Sarawak are lazy and have poor mentality, Mohamad said, Tun M seems desperate to divert people's attention towards him by making such remarks.
“Such remarks should not be uttered by reputable statesman who have been Prime Minister for over 20 years. As Sabahans, we feel sadden over such remarks and Tun M should apologize to the people of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Also present at the programme were director of Sabah Native Affairs Council Department, Yusop Awang Ali, deputy president of Sandakan Municipal Council, Haji Hamsan Haji Awang Supain, and native chiefs from several districts.