Only BN govt can bring prosperity and continuous progress to Sabah — Pairin
KOTA KINABALU: Only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is capable of bringing prosperity and continuous progress for the multiracial people of the country, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he hoped that the people, especially voters, understood and appreciated the work done and progress achieved by the BN government to unite the people and keep them happy.
“We hope this situation (BN as government) continues for the prosperity of our multiethnic society.
“I also appeal to the people to understand the seriousness of PBS so far in carrying out various efforts to raise their standards, especially through BN,” he said when met by reporters at the party’s Chinese New Year open house here on Saturday.
Pairin also hoped the relationship between leaders and the people would continue to be strengthened, to enable more efforts to be implemented for the benefit of the people.
When asked whether he will contest in the next general election, Pairin said: “Just wait for nomination day. But PBS is ready to face the election.”
Pairin had announced his retirement from politics about two years ago. However, in December last year, he said he was willing to consider the party’s advice on whether to nominate him in the upcoming general election.
PBS acting president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili had also said in December that the party frequently discussed about nominating Pairin in the GE14.
The 77-year-old Sabah deputy chief minister is currently Keningau member of Parliament and Tambunan assemblyman.
Pairin, who had been active in politics since 1975, is still considered by many quarters as a respected political figure in Sabah.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, who was also present at the event, said he hoped the spirit of togetherness within the multiracial society would continue, so as to facilitate the government in administering the state.
Musa said that he believed the feeling of togetherness that the people of Sabah enjoyed will continue to thrive in the years ahead.
The Chief Minister on Thursday night also attended a dinner with the Yang Dipertua of Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Sandakan Municipal Council in Sandakan.
In his speech, he said that solidarity among the people is an important element in the government’s efforts to develop the state. This was because the support and cooperation from all parties were required to bring progress.
“Sabah is a state with great potential to be developed, and the state government has a mission and is planning towards it.
“Much has been achieved, but it is not sufficient, and it needs to be enhanced so that Sabah is better known internationally,” he said.
He said the various communities in Sabah had coexisted in peace and harmony for many years, a noble trait which was strengthened through celebrating the important events from all communities together.
He said the culture of visiting people at their homes during celebrations like the Chinese New Year showed the harmonious relationship established among the people.