Sabah opposition parties driven by emotions — Salleh

KINABATANGAN: The opposition parties in Sabah are only championing their cause in terms of the emotional factor and not standing up for the rights of Sabahans, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

Salleh, who is also Umno treasurer, said the opposition party members would refuse to become electoral candidates if they were reprimanded and would leave the party if they were not cajoled.

“They do not understand the struggle of Sabahans, how to fight for Sabah’s rights (through devolution of powers) from the federal government,” he said when launching the election machinery for the Kuamut state constituency at the Tongod Square near here yesterday.

Also present at the event were Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Kuamut state assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.

Salleh said the Barisan Nasional leaders in the state had demonstrated their capability in voicing the rights of Sabahans to the federal government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib also respected their decision and showed commitment in giving attention to Sabah’s rights as provided for in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, he said.

He also said that Najib had given the commitment that any of Sabah’s rights inadvertently taken by the federal government would be returned to the state.

Salleh said it was important to maintain the current government which would ensure continuity in the country’s stability, provision of economic opportunities for the people and planning for the future.

He said these three factors were important to ensure continued peace in the country and harmony among the people and to implement development for the well-being of the people. - Bernama