Ongkili: BN for Sabah’s socio-economic devt

KOTA MARUDU, Jan 12 (New Sabah Times) -- Barisan Nasional is the only political vehicle which ensures Sabah’s long-term, socio-economic development, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of three hanging bridges totalling RM1.1 million at Kampung Simpangan near here yesterday, he said the opposition could only criticise but had no capacity to uplift the people’s livelihood.

He said the three bridges located at Kampung Simpangan (RM500,000), Kampung Lampada (RM500,000) and Kampung Timbang Batu (RM100,000) were funded by the National Security Council to replace bridges washed away by major floods last February.

Ongkili said contractors for the projects were appointed last June but only received instruction to commence construction last month, after additional funds for the projects were obtained from the Prime Minister’s Department.

“The opposition alleged we made only empty promises with regard to the bridges, unaware that the work order was already issued long before they made the accusation,” he added.

Ongkili, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president, said that based on tract record, only the BN government could deliver real development to the people.

The minister urged the people not to be influenced by the Opposition’s propaganda but to cooperate with the government to ensure development goals aimed at improving the livelihood of the people.