TAMPARULI, Tues. – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) today claimed that Barisan Nasional (BN) parties were responsible for racial and religious division in Sabah by virtue of their political struggle being based on race and religion.

PBS deputy president Dr Maximus Ongkili said BN parties were formed along racial lines solely to champion the interests of a particular race or religion and thereby entrenching divisiveness among the multiracial and multi-religious people of the country and the State.

He was officiating the opening of the 12^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PBS Tamparuli division in Kampung Tamparuli this morning attended by some 400 delegates and supporters.

Refuting the allegation made by Sabah UMNO Chief Datuk Osu Haji Sukam last week that the PBS was fanning racial and religious sentiments, Dr Ongkili said "when the BN points a finger at PBS, four of their own fingers are actually pointing at themselves".

"PBS is a multiracial party which houses the members of the State’s multi-ethnic communities under one roof. Our political struggle is based on the pursuit of justice, democracy, people’s rights, human dignity and economic well-being of all races in Sabah and Malaysia.

"Unlike the BN parties, our struggle is not based on race or religion. If PBS were to propogate racial and religious sentiments it would only weaken itself and destroy its multiracial unity which has become the basic foundation of its struggle and the cause for its overwhelming support from the people of Sabah", he stressed.

Dr Ongkili explained that it was the PBS philosophy to instil racial tolerance and moderation among its members and the people at large "because multiracialism is the best approach to achieve political unity in the country".

He urged the BN leaders to stop hurling baseless accusations to PBS leaders and supporters, claiming that to do so would only expose the insincerity of BN leaders.

On development brought about by the BN government, the Bandau member of Parliament alleged that the so-called "fruits of development" were nowhere to be seen especially in the rural areas.

"For example, where are the houses and primary schools for the poor in Ulu Bengkoka, Tandek, Sugut, Ulu Kinabatangan and Pensiangan? In these places most people do not have a piece of zinc as roof for their houses and most of the children grow up without knowing how to read ABC. Where are the famous Sabah Baru promises for these people?", he asked.

Dr Ongkili called on the BN government to talk less and get their act together to fulfil the promises of development.

On privatisation, Dr Ongkili urged the State government to substantiate its claim that public agencies were privatised to increase the level of profits of such corporations.

"Profits for whom? For the people of Sabah or the new shareholders who comprise only a few selected individuals? Of course, privatised companies such as Angkatan Hebat and Ladang Sabah are making a lot of money. But where does the money go and in the case of Angkatan Hebat who is paying for the huge profits of the company?", he questioned.

Dr Ongkili said it was high time the BN State government lived up to its claim of transparency in administration and answer all the queries on its privatisation projects as submmitted to the State Assembly by PBS Assemblymen at its last sitting.

"The government is constantly trying to avoid basic questions on its administration. They seem to be hiding things from the public?", he alleged.