PKR Slams BN For Treating Sabah, Sarawak Unfairly

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) claimed the federal government has once again proven its unfair attitude towards Sabah and Sarawak by not giving the two states due representation in the new federal cabinet.

PKR Vice President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has forgotten that it was Sabah and Sarawak that saved the Barisan Nasional in the recently concluded general elections.

"Abdullah should have appreciated this life-saving contribution by giving the Sabah MPs more important roles in the federal government. Instead, they (Sabah and Sarawak MPs) got a rotten deal," he said.

He said the reluctance of some MPs to accept their appointments was proof enough.

He also said, "These MPs should stand up on behalf of the rakyat and ask... such as higher oil royalties and more equitable distribution of other resources and opportunities."

He said if the MPs are not bold enough to voice what their electorate expect of them, of if they realise they are not being listened to within the current BN set-up, they should seriously consider joining the PKR.

"Together, we will implement the long-overdue programmes to serve the interests of Sabahans and Sarawakians."

According to Dr Jeffrey, the BN MPs should not stay simply for the sake of hoping Kuala Lumpur will change its attitude towards East Malaysia, nor should they stay in the hopes of getting something.

These MPs, he said, should not think of their own interests because in the end, they will realise that whatever they get will always be minimal tokenism just to keep them in line.

"It is time to stand up and truly fight for the people by struggling for them from a new platform." (Borneo Bulletin, Brunei)

***** 'Sabah and Sarawak saved the Barisan Nasional'. That is going to be a recurring theme which Umno will have to put up with day after day, unless they see the real picture and adequately reward the easterners. However giving in to their demands will amount to dilution of Malay power in the federal government. Therein lies the problem. Umno wants to have the 'karipap' and eat it too. Unfortunately given the difficult arithmetic after this elections, it won't be too long before those in the east either get their way or go where they are better appreciated. Let's wait and see.
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