BN facing vicious attacks from opposition — PBS
KUNDASANG: The Barisan Nasional ( BN) is facing an unprecedented level of criticism and attacks from an emboldened opposition, said Parti Bersatu Sabah ( PBS) secretary general, Datuk Johnny Mositun.
He said it was disturbing to see the vicious attacks on BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“To us in Sabah, the Prime Minister has shown greater concern and willingness to redress our grievances about things like state autonomy, Borneonisation and increased development allocations among other things. No other PM has been this considerate or mindful of our complaints.
“We didn’t want a coal- fired power plant, the PM stepped in and had it cancelled and directed that a gas-fired plant be built. We demanded locals to fill teaching posts, that demand has been met. We demanded better security, ESSCom was created.
“We demanded a Sabahan on the Petronas Board, that has been done,” he said after closing a twoday Leadership Seminar for PBS Youths ( North Zone) held at the BTN training centre here.
The seminar was declared open by acting PBS president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili.
Mositun added Sabah had gained much from Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s administration, and more will come our way if BN continues to govern the country.
“Which other PM has given so much consideration to Sabah’s calls and complaints?” he told the seminar participants.
Mositun said the seminar included topics on current issues and the role of youths in addressing these issues as the 14th general election ( GE14) was fast approaching and they would have a heavy responsibility and role to play in the coming election.
“Make no mistake. Young voters will have a big say in how things go in GE14. You as PBS Youth leaders and members will have a very important role to play in reaching out to this young generation of voters to explain the party’s and Barisan Nasional’s causes and agenda for the state and nation.
“Use the knowledge you have gained from this seminar to play your respective roles effectively so that PBS, and BN in general, will have a successful outing in GE14,” he said.
Mositun added Malaysia had become a very open society today because the BN under the leadership of Najib supported and promoted the development of Internet usage and social media to keep up with global trends and progress.
“But with this comes the difficulty of preventing abuses through the use of social media and filtering out things like fake news and deliberate lies and slander against political leaders, not just those from BN but also the opposition.
“When we talk of controlling or strengthening measures against such abuses, the BN is automatically accused of trying to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression of the rakyat. It’s a very sensitive and contentious matter, really,” he said.
Under the circumstances, he said PBS Youth leaders should be more discerning and questioning about current issues, and explain to the grassroots the necessity to think rationally when they go to the polls in GE14.