PBS regrets exchanges of harsh words, negative comments
PAPAR: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary general Datuk Johnny Mositun said he is saddened by the harsh words and negative comments made by different quarters in the aftermath of last Friday’s earthquake that killed 18 people on Mount Kinabalu.
“I appreciate the fact that when a tragedy of this magnitude occurs, there will be views expressed from all quarters, but unfair, thoughtless, hurtful and abusive remarks and comments are uncalled for. Most regrettable are the thinly disguised comments purportedly sympathizing with the victims but really intended to discredit the authorities. Some people, it seems, will exploit even a tragedy of this magnitude for personal mileage,”he said.
Mositun, who is Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, made this observation at the home of a villager, Jilius Yapo. The villager was celebrating the family’s reconciliation with his teenage daughter, Jesselien, whose controversial and unlawful conversion to Islam by a teacher had raised a hue and cry in Sabah in February.
Mositun said he was relieved and happy that Jilius and his family had sorted out their problems and were getting along nicely and that Jesselien and her sisters were now back in school in Papar.
He said the magnitude 5.9 earthquake and the resulting deaths and destruction were unprecedented.
“But the reaction of our authorities and the people of Sabah is something to be proud of. I am especially touched by the way Malaysians from all walks of life, different ethnic and religious groups, different political parties, have come forward to help and support. The outpouring of sympathy and concern for the victims of the disaster, the determination to help or contribute is truly heart warming,” he said.
Mositun said both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister had come to be with the people of Sabah to share their grief and provide whatever help that was needed.
“And I thank our Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who cut short his official trip to Shanghai to be with us in such trying circumstances. The assurance from the Federal Minister of Rural Development to the villagers that their damaged homes would be repaired or rebuilt is also very welcome,” he said.
Mositun also said that he was confident that with so many government agencies, NGOs and private sector organisations pledging assistance and support in various forms, Sabah would get over this unfortunate event.
“PBS too will do its part. We are now on a donation drive in all our party divisions. Our deputy president, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, has already made a personal contribution, and has also got a pledge for RM100,000 from SESB. With what we can collect from our own members, we hope to collect at much as we can,”he said.
Mositun said PBS was especially grateful to the Kinabalu Mountain Guides who had played a sterling role in the search and rescue operations under the most difficult and dangerous conditions.
“We are very proud of our Manananud Tombolui Kinabalu (Kinabalu Mountain Guides), and PBS will use the funds we collect for their welfare. Their exemplary conduct, bravery and selflessness makes us proud to call ourselves Sabahans,” he said.