Discuss issues as a family, says PM

2009/11/08

Jaswinder Kaur

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional component parties must not squabble with one another but should instead discuss things as a family

BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak said if they regarded themselves as one big family that could sit together and talk about common dreams and visions, there would be no problem that could not be solved.

"There is nothing more heartwarming than to see Kadazandusuns, Malays, Indians, Chinese and all Malaysians sitting together as one family.

"Don't fight among ourselves. We have enough problems," he said when opening Parti Bersatu Sabah's 24th congress here last night.

Present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, PBS president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and leaders of other BN component parties.

Najib, who arrived at 5.50pm accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor will officiate the Liberal Democratic Party and United Kadazandusun Murut Organisation meetings today.

Najib, who is also prime minister, said Sabah was a "blue state" in reference to the colour of BN's flag.

In the last general election, BN components in the peninsula were hit by a political tsunami but Sabah BN parties won 24 of the 25 parliamentary seats.

He said there was no alternative for the people other than BN.

Najib also promised to "make a difference" for the people with the help of the Sabah government.

"This is my commitment to the people of Sabah. We will deliver, we will walk the talk."

He said BN was not a government of "big businesses or business contracts" but one that was for the people.

Najib said he took note of the problems facing people in rural areas that were raised by Kitingan such as lack of electricity and water supply.

He said tackling the issues were part of the national key result areas.

However, he said there must be "give and take" in solving the woes of the people.

"The people of Sabah want electricity but those in Sandakan and Lahad Datu rejected the (coal) power plant project.

"I decided that it could be built in the Felda settlement.

"Our people must decide, you want power, but you don't want a (coal) plant. We have to make some sacrifices."

Najib said the government would act on Kitingan's call to get rid of illegal immigrants by 2012.

"Sometimes, the problem also lies with our people, who want to hire foreigners who are cheaper (to hire)."