Can be discussed, says Pairin
Published on: Friday, January 16, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan played down the furore arising from allegations about lopsided power-sharing within the State Barisan Nasional (BN) while conceding that it is a subject that needs to be addressed."This is an issue which has been raised every now and then and it remains a subject which can be improved on," he said, adding everyone should therefore sit and discuss the matter and reach some level of mutual agreement or satisfaction.His comments followed claims by his Deputy President, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, of dissatisfaction among PBS members and supporters about being sidelined in terms of decision-making and division of power.
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"There have been too many grouses and complaints aired by the people that as a BN component party we are viewed as not playing much role in the governing of the State despite holding the post of Deputy Chief Minister," Ongkili had said.In an immediate reaction Sabah Umno Deputy Chief, Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said Keruak retorted that the BN's concept of power sharing was not merely rhetorical but well practised in the State.Salleh stated that the appointment of ministers, assistant ministers, permanent secretaries, directors of state departments and agencies, district officers as well as community leaders have proved that power-sharing is being practised all along.On Thursday, Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister, pointed out that nothing had come out of Ongkili's suggestion on appointing Community Development Leaders (PPM), thus resulting in him feeling disappointed.
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"So of course there will be certain things that are pleasant while others are not. Therefore, it is important that these issues be brought up for discussion." In relation to the proposed re-delineation of the electoral boundaries in the State, Pairin supported Ongkili's call for the former Langkon seat to be reinstated."Langkon should be returned to its original status. We all want to see fair and just changes and we should think in the context of how to serve the people better," he said, suggesting that a dialogue be held between the Election Commission (EC) taking into account all comments and suggestions for the benefit of the people.
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"There has to be some kind of balancing among the component parties because there had been discussions on the proportion when Malaysia was formed with Singapore involved."In this respect Pairin said the 35 per cent seat allocation under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement before Singapore was expelled should be their point of reference."After Singapore, there should be a proper adjustment to indicate some consideration … there has to be discussion which actually needs to indicate that we are all sincere in how to accommodate the different interests of the people. We must look out for our position and avoid the feeling of being swallowed. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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