Sabah opposition parties driven by emotion: Salleh

KINABATANGAN: The opposition parties in Sabah are only championing their cause in terms of the emotional factor and not standing up for the rights of Sabahans, according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
Salleh, who is also Umno treasurer, said the opposition party members would refuse to become electoral candidates if they were reprimanded and would leave the party if they were not cajoled.
"They do not understand the struggle of Sabahans, how to fight for Sabah's rights (through devolution of powers) from the federal government," he said when launching the election machinery for the Kuamut state constituency at the Tongod Square near here, today.
Also present at the event were Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Kuamut state assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.
Salleh said the Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in the state had demonstrated their capability in voicing the rights of Sabahans to the federal government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib also respected their decision and showed commitment in giving attention to Sabah's rights as provided for in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, he said.
He also said that Najib had given the commitment that any of Sabah's rights inadvertently taken by the federal government would be returned to the state.
Salleh said that one of the recognitions accorded by the federal government to Sabah and Sarawak in the formation of Malaysia was the implementation of the public holiday on Sept 16.
He also said that the establishment of the special committee chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman to look into Sabah's rights reflected the federal government's concern for the demands of Sabahans.
"We in the BN will determine that we always champion Sabah's rights. Sabah's rights do not belong to the opposition, they are ours.
"We will ensure that Sabah will not lose its rights and privileges and will enjoy development as desired by those who were involved in the formation of Malaysia," he said.
Salleh also said that it was important to maintain the current government which would ensure continuity in the country's stability, provision of economic opportunities for the people and planning for the future.
He added that these three factors were important to ensure continued peace in the country and harmony among the people and to implement development for the well-being of the citizenry. — Bernama