National parties not a hindrance to Sabah’s development, says Bung

National parties not a hindrance to Sabah’s development, says Bung

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin claims the state experienced rapid development before 2018, when it was aligned with the federal administration.

Bung Moktar Radin says that by aligning itself with the national ruling party, Sabah is able to receive help more promptly.
KOTA KINABALU:
Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin has denied claims that national parties were a hindrance to the development of the state, saying they actually gave an advantage in championing the rights of Sabahans.

“Whether it’s a national or local party, our goal is the same. We are here to defend the people’s interests,” the Sabah deputy chief minister said in a statement today.

Bung said the difference between national and Sabah-based parties was in how they solicited help, adding that aligning with the national ruling party would enable the state government to receive federal aid more promptly.

“When Sabah was aligned with the federal administration before 2018, development was rapid and we did not need to hold protests or take development issues to court. We could receive allocations just by ‘whispering’ to our central leaders,” he said.

Bung, the Kinabatangan MP, said when Sabah was led by state-based parties after 2018, development was ineffective.

He was responding to a statement by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who claimed that Sabah’s development was hindered by “interference” from national parties.

Bung dismissed Karim’s remarks as his personal opinion, saying the Sarawak state minister was wrong to issue the statement.

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