IF THE KDM PRO-BN PARTIES TOO WOULD GO ALONG WITH HENRYNUS’ VISION, THEN WE WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT NEW POLITICAL EQUATION HERE
COMMENT: After all these years, someone is talking some sense.
And it is not a bad idea, in fact it is spot on.
Henrynus Amin, president of Parti Anak Negeri (PAN), had suggested that the Kadazan Dusun (KDM) based parties should come under one banner so that they could influence policy matters in the state.
While Parti Warisan is talking to Pakatan Harapan (PH) here to try to forge some kind of understanding this coming election, the KDM-based parties are still in a conundrum.
Henrynus did say it would be a good idea for Jeffrey Kitingan, Wilfred Bumburing and himself to close ranks and focus on KDM-majority seats as a bloc.
Last time we heard, Bumburing was keen to work with Warisan. He has to re-think now with this new proposal from Henrynus, as his Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) has following mainly in KDM areas despite its claim of being a multiracial party.
And it was reported that he was receptive to unite the KDM under one banner.
If Jeffrey is willing to come on board, at least the KDM voters have a better choice and can see where their politicians are leading them to.
As it stands, there are too many KDM political parties in the opposition especially which could only benefit Barisan Nasional (BN) because of the splitting of the votes.
It has been said often enough that the KDM politicians must think more of the community than themselves, and being united is the only way.
The community has been loud and clear of their unhappiness and claims that they have been marginalised politically.
The fault is not in the stars but more in the doing of their own politicians who have been self-serving and make no real effort to do anything about it.
There are too many chief wannabes. It is time for these politicians to be more pragmatic.
If the KDM pro-BN parties too would go along with Henrynus’ vision, then we would have a different new political equation here.
They might not be able to form the government because of the changed demography, at least with one voice and one heart; other things are possible.
Then, the wise man says, don’t bet on this, as the KDM politicians have proven over and over again that they have clay feet.
Henrynus proposal, sad to say, is nothing but a pipe dream.
Like so many sweet dreams, it is better to leave them in the state of sleepiness.
Reality is a different kettle of fish.
THE GOVERNMENT, IF THEY CARE FOR THE SMALL PEOPLE, SHOULD NOT ALLOW THIS BUSINESS PROBLEM AT TANJUNG ARU TO FESTER INTO A POLITICAL ISSUE WHICH MIGHT BACKFIRE ON THEM COME ELECTION DAY
When the rich and the powerful want to make more money and with the might of the government behind them, the small people usually get hurt.
The hawkers of the Tanjung Aru food court at the beach are such people.
They have been told to move out to a new location in Tanjung Lipat.
Many are adamant they will stay because the new place is no better than their existing one.
Some of the hawkers have been in Tanjung Aru for 40 years making good income as the location is ideal and the traffic is good for business.
Both the Mayor and the Minister in charge of City Hall do not appear to be eager to have further dialogue on this despite the hawkers’ insistence.
Then members of the public are confused too, the Mayor had promised that he would push for a certain percentage of TAED be reserved for the public or he would resign. But nothing has come of this. It is conveniently swept under the carpet.
Then TAED head honcho, Victor Paul was quoted as saying his office was a one stop centre for the project, side-lining the Mayor’s office in effect.
Then if this is the case, Victor should have the courtesy to listen to the hawkers grouses.
The authorities must decide who can make decision on the matter here.
This is an election year, talking to some of the hawkers; they are upset the way they are being treated.
Being Bumiputera small traders, their grievances are real and they must be given the necessary space to breathe.
The state government, if they care for these small people, should not allow this business problem to fester into a political issue which might backfire on them come election day.
And Warisan’s Junz Wong who attended to the hawkers grouses a few days ago said that if Warisan formed the next government, TAED would not go ahead. He reckons it would be more suitable at another location.
Even then why should the project be stopped? Many would like to see it go on making sure the public actually benefit and not turning it into a playground for the rich and famous at the expense of the locals.
We have said this often enough, the natural shoreline should be preserved and not be replaced by an artificial beach.
The new State Heritage Enactment should come into play to preserve it as a heritage site.
Why should the people lose their heritage to greed?
