I was taught not to betray friends in politics – Musa
SANDAKAN: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said the act of betraying friends should not be practised in politics.
The incumbent for the Sungai Sibuga state constituency said he was taught since his first day in the political arena not to sabotage his friends.
“Sabah’s Father of Independence, the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun also taught me not to betray friends, party, people and country.
“Most importantly, Islam also teaches us to be sincere in our struggles and fair in any action towards all races,” he said at a gathering with the Sandakan fishermen and the launching of the Libaran Area Fishermen’s Association (PNK) here yesterday.
Musa, who is also Sabah Umno chairman, said such action was done by opposition party leaders when they were still in Umno.
Hence, he wanted the people in the state to reject leaders such as those because they were championing their struggles based on the power seeking factor.
Meanwhile Musa said Fishermen in Sabah are very lucky as they have been receiving assistance from the federal and state governments through the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and Ko-Nelayan.
He said fishermen also received BR1M and the amount would be increased this year.
“Fishermen here will never be neglected and will continue to receive assistance from the government. The contribution of fishermen is vital for the food sector in Sabah, hence the government has to pay attention to the welfare of fishermen.
“Repairing of old houses, building new homes, gas subsidy and life support allowances are among the various assistance provided by the government to fishermen,” he said.
Musa also said the requests by Pelibar for a piece of land to develop a fisherman’s village and for repair of a jetty here would be considered by the government after the election.
“Currently, in the midst of the election season, I am unable to approve these requests immediately. I will however follow up with an answer to these requests after one to two months time, along with the allocation for Pelibar,” he said.
At the event, Musa presented a mock cheque for fishermen life support allowance of RM2.06 million to 1,000 recipients and another mock cheque of RM540,000 for economic development as organisation grant for 15 branches of the Area Fishermen Organisations in Sabah.
Another RM50,000 Touch Point assistance was also presented to six recipients under the Natural Disaster Assistance Scheme, while another 13 recipients received RM65,000 allocation under the Fishermen Welfare Fund.