PBS in a ‘state of denial’

PKR says PBS had lost its sense of direction and shouldn't dream of recapturing Moyog in the next general elections.

KOTA KINABALU: PKR Sabah considers a recent statement by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) vice president Raden Malleh as yet another indication that the party that once ruled Sabah single-handedly (1985-1994) and made its people proud, had lost its sense of direction and continued to belabour in a “state of denial”.

Moyog Assemblyman Terrence Siambun stressed in a statement that Raden is misleading the people by claiming that Moyog regrets voting for PKR last year and that the people have since realised that the opposition can only talk big and cannot bring development to the constituency.

“He doesn’t seem to realise that it was PBS President Joseph Pairin Kitingan insisting on going ahead with the controversial Kaiduan Dam in the Moyog interior that finally turned the people against PBS and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN),” said Terrence who is also PKR vice chairman.

“Kaiduan was the last straw after the enormous sacrifices that the people made in making way reluctantly for the Babagon Dam and Kondundungan Oxidation Pond.

“So, the PBS should not dream of recapturing Moyog at the 14th General Election,” he said.

The Moyog Assemblyman also pointed out that BN Sabah has lost other seats as well besides Moyog including the Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Sandakan parliamentary seats and 11 other state seats.

Only split votes prevented PBS from being totally annihilated in the Kota Marudu and Keningau parliamentary seats and the Kiulu state seat, all won by razor thin margins.

Terrence, in praising Raden for his past service implied that he has since turned from hero to zero, and warned him not to link the opposition with the lack of development in any area.

“It’s the work of the government of the day to bring development to the people. It’s not the work of the opposition,” Terrence pointed out. “The work of legislators was to pass laws while channeling the grievances of the people, not bring development to the people.”

The people of Moyog, continued Terrence, have the right to expect development as they are also citizens and taxpayers like other people in the country.