LDP unhappy not considered for top GLC posts
Published on: Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Kudat: The power sharing model within the Barisan Nasional (BN) family has continued to deteriorate in recent years, said Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Deputy President Senator Datuk Chin Su Phin. He said BN has always espoused the concept of power sharing which ensured fair and equal treatment among its component parties in order for them to serve the rakyat effectively. He said LDP may be a small political party, but the party carried considerable weight in the BN coalition. "LDP, established for 26 years, is the only local Chinese-based party in Sabah BN. And I dare say that LDP is a respectable political party and a loyal member of BN.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We have been deprived of many things which we rightfully deserve," Chin said when officiating at LDP Tanjung Kapor division annual conference here. The Tanjung Kapor division is chaired by Datuk Teo Chee Kang, who is also LDP President and Minister of Special Tasks. Chin said the reason he brought up the issue of power sharing was not to criticise the Government, but to reflect the reality to the administration. "At present, LDP has three assemblymen. Besides the allotment of a full Minister and an Assistant Minister portfolios in the State Cabinet, our party was not appointed any chairmanship position in government departments or agencies."Chin said he has personally reflected this matter to the Prime Minister and Sabah Chief Minister, as well as emphasised to them that the party was not being greedy. "We have quietly played our role and served the BN coalition for the past 26 years. I do not think our requests are excessive.
ADVERTISEMENT
"I hope the BN government will self-reflect and understand that fair power sharing is imperative to ensure a united and stronger coalition," he said. On the other hand, Chin said he hoped AirAsia Berhad and Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB) would reach a consensus on the relocation of the low-cost carrier to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 1 as soon as possible. He said the crux of the problem was the RM65 airport tax.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The dispute can be resolved if MAHB and AirAsia can compromise by bearing half of the airport tax, which will be greatly beneficial to MAHB in the long run. "With AirAsia's relocation to T1, MAHB will be able to lease the vacant shop units to business operators."Chin believed that passengers would be willing to pay RM10 to RM20 more in exchange for a more comfortable environment and aerobridge facility that protects them from harsh weather conditions at T1. He pointed out that the dilapidated facilities and appalling toilets at KKIA T2 were an embarrassment to our State and also left a bad impression on tourists. "As for AirAsia's intention to build a new terminal, it will take another three to five years for it to materialise. If this problem continues to persist till December, I shall voice the matter again for the fourth time during the Dewan Negara sitting."Meanwhile, Chin said Senator Chong Sin Woon's vocal stance was admirable and worthy of his appointment as Deputy Education Minister. He hoped Chong would look into education issues in Sabah with his new portfolio. On another note, Chin said the Government seemed to have made too many promises which they have failed to fulfil, such as power sharing."The Government has failed to act promptly on sensitive incidents which occurred in Peninsular Malaysia, nor have they taken tangible measures to prevent the hudud law from being implemented in our country. "BN must be firm and resolute to win back the people's support."If the Government does not prove to the people that BN is determined to reform and make positive changes in the next two years, the coalition is looking at a tough 14th General Election," he said.Earlier, Teo urged party members to stay united amid the political and economic challenges plaguing our country. Teo said a united and stronger party would enable LDP to defend the Tanjung Kapor, Karamunting and Merotai state seats, as well as recapture the Likas state seat and Sandakan parliamentary seat in the 14th General Election. He said the party has formed a committee to study amendments to the party's constitution, which included shortening the tenure of the Supreme Council from five to three years, changing the party structure from three tiers to two tiers by abolishing the branches, and inserting express provisions into the constitution to ensure the council would have no power to sack or terminate the position of Supreme Council members.Teo said the committee has submitted a report on the proposed amendments to the Presidential Council and Supreme Council. The amendments will be tabled in the coming party congress to seek mandate from the delegates, after which they will be submitted to the Registrar of Society (RoS) for approval.On the other hand, Teo said LDP has received new members, consisting of young people who concur with the party's struggle. "All members of LDP are assets of the party. The increasing membership shows that our party is getting stronger."Teo also urged the leaders of the party divisions and branches to listen to the people and improve their service to the community. He said the 29 branches under LDP Tanjung Kapor division have been working hard in serving the people to win back their confidence towards the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
