Published on: Monday, April 07, 2003 |
KINARUT: Tambunan Assemblyman Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan claimed certain quarters within the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) were unhappy with the presence of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) in the ruling coalition.
I know there are certain groups in the coalition who do not like to see PBS continuing with its struggle within the context of the BN, to the extent of seeking to oust me as Tambunan representative, he said here, Sunday.
He was responding to the open proposal recently by Tambunan Upko Chief, Petrus Guriting, that the party be given the Tambunan seat to contest in the next State election.
Petrus even named Sabah Wildlife Department Deputy Director, Laurentius Ambo, as the partys potential candidate to defend the seat for the BN.
Pairin said whosoever within the BN wishes to contest the Tambunan constituency should be asked on their true intention for doing so.
What is their true motive to stand as a candidate in my constituency? Are they not aware that PBS represents the second largest (BN) party in the State? he asked.
He believed there could be a possibility of fear among certain quarters that he could be appointed Chief Minister should the rotation system be continued, after the next State election.
Pairin, who is PBS President and also Keningau MP, urged party members to discard any form of scepticism towards the BN and instead, focus their attention on gaining a greater electoral victory for the coalition.
We all must go down to the field and garner as many members into the party in order the strengthen the BN.
The party leadership is always sensitive and aware of the issues arising, and thus we need to move together to continue the struggle within the context of the BN, he said.
Now that PBS is in the BN fold, it can discuss more freely with the Government, he added.
In this respect, Pairin expressed optimism that the Government was also prepared to accept constructive criticisms from the PBS.
He said the party only wishes for the State to develop and to continue progressing for the benefit of the people in general.
It is also for the benefit of the generations to come in order to safeguard the sovereignty of our country, he said.
