Pandikar's debate dare is a waste of time: Abang Jo
Goh Pei Pei
New Straits Times2 December 2017
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg said he has his hands full and he would rather be running the state than waste time on a debate.
Without mincing his words, Abdul Rahman Zohari, who is also the state Barisan Nasional chairman, reduced the dare made by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to debate on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), a “stupid” suggestion. “I am not weak but the (challenged for a) debate (by Pandikar) is ‘paloi’,” said the chief minister, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president.
Paloi is the Sarawakian Malay word for stupid.
Speaking at the launch of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kuching zone meeting, Abdul Rahman Zohari said the Sarawak BN has its own way to deal with the Federal government on matters regarding to the state’s rights under the MA63.
“Our way of doing things (getting back state’s rights) is to negotiate properly with the Federal government. We do it step by step and follow the state and Federal constitutions.
“There's no need to have any debate about it as that’s not the right channel and it will not grant us with greater autonomy rights," he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, he said, shared the same sentiments as the people of Sarawak and is ready to return all that rightfully belongs to the state.
“He (Najib) has been repeating that; whatever belongs to us, he must return it to us, in numerous occasions. So, we are confident of our prime minister,” he added.
The Satok assemblyman is also assured that the strong spirit of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem in fighting for the state’s rights will be continued.
“It’s something he (Adenan) was serious and committed about... Sadly, he left us before he could complete the task. Therefore, I promise to continue this fight,” he said.
Earlier, Abdul Rahman Zohari also said that PBB continues to be the backbone of the BN government due to its people-oriented policies and approaches.
“Although we are a Bumiputera party, our struggles are for everyone in the state, regardless of race and religion. Hence, we are still getting firm support from the people and remain strong till today," he stressed.
He also reminded the party member not take thing for granted as the political stability in Sarawak today came from the efforts and sacrifices its past leaders.
“Thus, we must stay united to move forward,” said the Chief Minister.
More than 2,000 members from eight constituencies, namely Opar, Tasik Biru, Tanjung Datu, Pantai Damai, Demak Laut, Tupong, Semariang and Satok, were present at the event.
Each constituency will be holding meetings to discuss the progress and development of their respective areas as well as the current issues and plans set up for the coming months. © New Straits Times
