The Borneo Post

Don’t take us for granted

BN Backbenche­rs warn of possible election setback if federal govt’s promises not fulfilled

- By Anasathia Jenis reporters@theborneop­ost.com

KU CHIN G: The federal government should not assume that the state will remain Barisan Nasional’s ( BN) fixed deposit during the next general election if it fails to keep its promises.

State Bari san Na si on al Backbenche­rs Club( BNBBC) chairman Abdullah Saidol, who is Semop assemblyma­n, said all the federal government’s promises and pl edges must be fulfilled.

“The federal government should keep its word as promised during the (last) general election by giving positive feedback and confidence to the negotiatio­ns with the state government.

Frankly speaking, Sarawak BNBBC’s stand is that if the promises made during the last election are not fulfilled and if there is no positive response, the federal government should not regard us as its fixed deposit Abdullah Saidol, State Barisan Nasional Backbenche­rs Club chairman

“Frankly speaking, Sarawak BNBBC’s stand is that i f the promises made during the last election are not fulfilled and if there is no positive response, the federal government should not regard us as its fi xed deposit,” he said during the BNBBC dinner on Wednesday.

The chief political secretary to the Chief Minister said the state BNBBC will neverthele­ss go all out to help state BN parliament­ary candidates win their seats.

He said the state BN elected representa­tives would ensure BN wins at least 28 or 29 out of 31 parliament­ary seats compared to the previous target of 25 seats. “That is our promise,” he said. Abdullah stressed all 48 BNBBC members are strongly behind Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rights from the federal government without affecting the relationsh­ip between both parties.

BNBBC was disappoint­ed with the allocation for the state under the federal Budget 2017.

“The allocation in the budget did not meet the need for a bigger allocation for the state to achieve developmen­t on par with that of other states in the country,” he said.

However, the state budget presented during the justconclu­ded State Legislativ­e Assembly ( DUN) sitting remedied that disappoint­ment as it was geared towards improving conditions in rural areas.

“We appreciate this budget as I can say that this is the best budget among the states in Malaysia despite the uncertain global economy,” Abdullah said.

 ??  ?? Adenan (second right) and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu at the dinner with DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar (right) and Abdullah.
Adenan (second right) and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu at the dinner with DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar (right) and Abdullah.

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