Concentrate on the problems of Sabah, Patriot tells elected reps

Patriot president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raj. - Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Sabah politicians must work to uplift the socio-economic of the people, instead of being "political frogs", says the National Patriots Association (Patriot).

Patriot president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said that elected representatives should be focusing on the problems of the people in the state.

He called those who jumped parties in the recent Chief Minister tussle, which ended in snap polls being called in the state, as "betrayers" of the people.

"Elected representatives are leaders of the people. Their words and deeds are respected, revered and the community sees them as role models," said Mohamed Arshad.

He said that Sabah has many problems that need to be dealt with despite the state being rich in natural resources.

"It has vast deposits of oil and gas, vast tracts of planted oil palm, and has advantages to attract tourism income; yet poverty is high and it ranks among the poorest states with low GDP and per capita income. Sabah has been grappling with migrant issues for decades.

"The roads to the rural regions within Sabah are both appalling in their nature and an appalling lack of remedial action among politicians.

"Smuggling activities and human trafficking are rampant especially in the east coast.

"Fish bombing and illegal fishing lingers and perpetuates with political lip service.

"Regular floods due to poor drainage systems that cover several districts at a time during downpours are common.

"Deforestation and conservation of wildlife is still an issue that Sabah.

"Elected representatives should work hard to uplift the socio-economic welfare of the Sabah people. Make sure Sabah's GDP is among the highest in the country," said Patriot.

On July 30, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal called for a dissolution of the state assembly, which was agreed to by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, after he was challenged by Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who claimed he had the majority support of the state assembly.