SANDAKAN: Campaigning on the exclusiveness of Sabah is inappropriate, said MCA party president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek.
He said that the campaigning method was wrong as Sabah had enjoyed the same amount of respect as any other state since the formation of Malaysia.
“To say that Sabahans have no access to education opportunities or positions in the Government is wrong.
“We have four ministers and five deputy ministers from Sabah in the Cabinet.
“The speaker and deputy speaker are also from Sabah. That shows the amount of respect the federal government has for Sabahans,” said Chua after visiting the Tanah Merah market in the Batu Sapi constituency.
He was accompanied by MCA Youth chief Datuk Wee Ka Siong on the by-election campaign trail in support of Barisan Nasional candidate Datin Linda TsenThau Lin.
“To become a high-income nation by 2020, we need the cooperation of every state, including Sabah,” said Chua, adding that the politics of integration, inclusiveness and development should take focus over promotion of hatred among Malaysians.
“We cannot regard votes as automatic. There is no more stronghold for Barisan, PKR and SAPP and the people are more sophisticated and demanding. So, political parties must know how to respond to this new scenario,” he said.
Chua also lamented the arrogance shown by junior Umno leaders these days.
“They are not fit to be the public’s representative under the 1Malaysiaconcept. What they said about not needing Chinese and Indian voters is uncalled for and unbecoming of a leader,” he said adding that MCA gave the same weightage to everyone’s support.
He added that the Tanah Merah market should be upgraded to reflect the people’s improved standard of living.
THE STAR (Sunday October 31)