PBS: Time to help one another, not point fingers

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is concerned over the impact of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the livelihood of Malaysians, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We are also aware and concerned about the impact of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on small businesses and the livelihood of the rakyat, especially rural farmers.

“The Federal Government stimulus packages of RM250 billion being rolled out are proof of our leaders’ seriousness in ensuring all sections of the people are provided for and assisted,” said PBS Youth chief Christopher Mandut.

The Political Secretary to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affair) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said that under the stimulus package, no single group is left out.

“We are monitoring and making sure this assistance reaches the affected groups as fast as possible.

“We also acknowledge the State Government is doing its fair part, though it could do more, especially in giving more funds for food supply and distributions,” said Mandut.

On the situation in Kota Marudu, he said they are monitoring the insufficient and unfair distribution of food assistance by the Warisan leaders and politically appointed officers.

“The P168 Kota Marudu Parliamentary Office will distribute food packages to those deprived by the Warisan-led State Government as soon as we get the numbers from the PBS leaders in the affected villages.

“For now, we hope people will stay calm. At the time like this, we all need to help one another and not point fingers and play the blame game. We are all affected and impacted by the deadly virus. Just oblige to the rules and regulations under the MCO. Stay home and stay safe,” he said.

He said that of late, on the social media, a lot of Warisan cyber troopers have voiced out their dissatisfaction over the ‘nonexistence’ of Sabah leaders in the combat against Covid-19 and its impact on the people.

“Our leaders are deeply involved in planning and monitoring of the implementation of the Covid-19 stimulus package at the Federal Cabinet. level to find the most effective approach to help us Sabahans and Sarawakians, be it living in Sabah or in other parts of the country.

“And I believe the PBS President (Ongkili), and his Sabahan counterparts in the Government are doing their level best to ensure our needs are covered,” he said.