DON'T BE LIKE YOUR PENINSULA COUNTERPARTS

KOTA KINABALU: As critical partners in nation building, opposition assemblymen also have a duty, role and responsibility similar to the government to uphold the practice of constitutional democracy as well as to adhere to the law, said Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail, yesterday.

To this, he suggested that the opposition take the time to know about the objectives and achievements of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

"Because I believe everyone in this State, irrespective of ethnicity and political beliefs, will enjoy together the fruits from government initiatives," he said when debating in support of the Head of State's policy speech.

Hence, he hoped that Sabah opposition assemblymen create a conducive political environment that is constructive.

He said they should not emulate their counterparts in the peninsula who seemed keen on disuniting the people.

He said they should see the function and responsibility of the opposition in a wider context especially in fighting for the plight of the people.

"I am not trying to teach a duck how to swim, but I am of the opinion that the fate and future of the people and nation, especially in Sabah, will not change as long as we don't put to practice good politicking," he said.

An example of negative politicking, he said, is the statement by a senior opposition leader in the peninsula blaming the BN Government for the boat tragedy in Sungai Belaga, Sarawak, recently.

Such statement, he said, is not only too naive but also sweeping in nature and irresponsible but clearly reflected the level of maturity in the thinking of an experienced politician.

Rahim said the time has come for lawmakers in the country, especially the opposition to prioritise discussion or presentation that uphold the objective and democratic idealism and higher political maturity.

If this is achieved, he said, they could leave a leadership legacy that is dynamic, responsible and with integrity to the younger generation.

On civil servants, he urged them to be more focused on their respective responsibility and commitment to ensure that the target and Key Performance Index (KPI) is achieved fully.

They all should face the challenges and barriers collectively, effectively with wisely, he said.

"I believe that if the leaders, civil servants and private sector pool their energy to strengthen the firm cooperation and play their role effectively, efforts to spur development will be more effective," he said.

He said, this in turn would create a conducive situation to attract foreign and domestic investors to invest in the state.

And when the programmes and development agenda at the State and Federal levels are successfully implemented, it would stimulate the state's economy towards generating high income among the people.

"This is our best opportunity and chance to ensure the success of the development's agenda," he said. (DE)