First BN candidate criticises CM’s decision
KUCHING: A Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) candidate is the first from a Barisan Nasional component party to voice his disagreement and disappointment with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s recent announcement of direct BN candidates.
Milton Foo, a fresh face in the polls who is contesting in Pending, said Adenan’s action was a unilateral act without consultation with BN component parties for a consensus, adding that this was not only a violation of the agreement among BN component parties, including SUPP, but also disregarded the loyalty of the component parties.
In citing the Pelawan and Pujut constituencies as examples, he said Adenan had announced in public that these two constituencies would be fielded by SUPP candidates.
“However, without consulting SUPP, you (Adenan) made a U-turn by announcing the direct BN candidates instead of the recommended candidates of SUPP,” he remarked and expressed that Adenan should understand it felt like being robbed of the state’s autonomous rights.
“Now, you made your own decision without consultation with (state BN) component parties. What is the difference between such act and Putrajaya bullying Sarawak to make it from one-third into onethirteen?
“Don’t do to others what you don’t want others to do to you. You want Sarawak to get back its autonomy, yet you are trampling the dignity of your political allies. People want to see a chief minister who walks his talk, not an authoritative and dictatorial leader to lead Sarawak towards regaining its autonomy and protect state interests,” he said in a press statement.
Foo said he did not hesitate to speak the truth because he believed that Adenan should listen to the truth and not flattery words.
“Even if it meant that I would lose my candidacy, I have to speak out. As head of the state administration you can’t change your mind so easily, a king can never joke. Policies can’t be changed overnight. This would cause hatred and hardship among people.
“Even though you have implemented many policies that benefit the people and you are loved by the people, this does not mean that you are not subject to scrutiny, especially within the government.
“I shall speak the truth for the people, no matter how high position the person is holding. This is because I represent the people, not the power. My political power comes from the people not the government, especially not from you,” he said..
Foo will contest against DAP’s Violet Yong, who in the 2011 state elections defeated SUPP president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.