Pairin's Call For Unity Is Sincere, Says Ongkili
Sunday, 9 May 2004 (Source: Bernama)

KOTA MARUDU: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said Sunday the call by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan for unity among the Kadazandusun and Murut community members is sincere and came from a man who has been working on uniting the community all this while.

"If we can be united politically, the better but if we cannot do that, then we should learn how to work together despite the differences in political affiliations," he said.

Pairin who is the Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun, had earlier this week called for unity among leaders of the community.

His call prompted United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) Deputy President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing to suggest that Pairin head a body to unite the Kadazandusun and Murut leaders.

Ongkili who is PBS deputy president said that the people should realise that unity is a vital prerequisite to progress.

"It does not necessarily mean that other political parties should be dissolved so that the community can have only one party.

"What we should realise here is the importance of still being able to cooperate and work together although we are from different political parties," he said at a Tadau Kaamatan or Harvest Festival celebration in Mukim Mengaris near here.

A thanksgiving ceremony for the Barisan Nasional's victory in Kota Marudu parliamentary seat as well as in Tandek and Matunggong state seats is also being held at the event.

Ongkili who is in-charge of national integration urged the Kadazandusun community to use the month-long festival to set aside political differences and work on fostering and strengthening unity among them.

Ongkili who is Kota Marudu Member of Parliament and Tandek Assemblyman also thanked the BN component parties as well as the voters in the area for having voted the BN to victory in the 11th general election last March.

"This is a victory for all of us," he said.

With the victory having been achieved, it is now the time for the people at the grassroot level to woo back those who have not voted the BN, he said.

"We must convince them of BN's strength and ability to work for the people...this, we must do so that we can be united again," he said.