The Umno treasurer said the opposition members would refuse to become electoral candidates if they were reprimanded, and would leave their parties if they were not cajoled.
“They do not understand the struggle of Sabahans, how to fight for Sabah’s rights (through devolution of powers) from the federal government,” he said when launching Barisan Nasional’s (BN) election machinery for the Kuamut state constituency at Tongod Square near here today.
Also present were Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin of Umno and Kuamut state assemblyman Masiung Banah, who is from Upko.
Salleh, who is also Umno treasurer, said BN leaders in the state had demonstrated their capability in voicing the rights of Sabahans to the federal government led by Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Najib also respected their decision and showed commitment in giving attention to Sabah’s rights as provided for in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he said.
According to Salleh, the prime minister had even given the commitment that any of Sabah’s rights inadvertently taken by the federal government would be returned to the state.
Salleh said that one of the recognitions accorded by the federal government to Sabah and Sarawak was the implementation of the public holiday on Malaysia Day which falls on Sept 16, to recognise their role in the formation of Malaysia.
He also said that the establishment of the special committee chaired by Foreign Minister Anifah Aman to look into Sabah’s rights reflected the federal government’s concern for the demands of Sabahans.
“We in the BN will determine that we always champion Sabah’s rights. Sabah’s rights do not belong to the opposition, they are ours.
“We will ensure that Sabah will not lose its rights and privileges and will enjoy development as desired by those who were involved in the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
Salleh also said that it was important to maintain the current government which would ensure continuity in the country’s stability, provision of economic opportunities for the people and planning for the future.
He said these three factors were important to ensure continued peace in the country and harmony among the people and to implement development for the well-being of the people.
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