Give Bumis in Sabah more chances under 9mp: Pairin
Monday, 26 September 2005 (Source: Daily Express)

PENAMPANG: PBS is all for the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) to continue with economic development programmes aimed at poverty eradication irrespective of race as well as re-organising the community so that opportunities are available across the board.

"Obviously, PBS does not want to hear negative remarks that the Malays monopolise the civil service and politics, the Chinese control the economy in urban areas, the Indians remain in estates and the Orang Asli and natives of Sabah and Sarawak are being left in the villages, coastal areas or jungles," said PBS President Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

PBS has proposed to the Federal Government to give more chances to minority Bumiputeras to get government contract works and income in line with the affirmative action in the 9MP, he said.

"PBS is of the opinion that contractors, particularly those from the minority Bumiputera group, must be given the opportunity or be compelled to create strategic joint-ventures with companies from the peninsula to carry out A, B, D or even F class projects," he said.

It cannot be denied that the country's development policies had all this while involved all races in all aspects of the government administration and nation's economic management.

However, he said the people also have the right to know the performance of these economic policies in terms of reaching the target groups.

PBS is fully aware of the hot issue that is the 30 per cent equity ownership for Bumiputeras that started about 30 years ago in 1970, with reports stating that the Bumiputera barely touched the 20 per cent mark.

There has also been talk that this equity ownership only involved certain elite groups, while some said the affirmative action to help the Bumiputeras was not received fully by the non-Muslim Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak.

Apart from that, there were suggestions that the action should also cover education scholarships, employment opportunities in the public sector rather than merely share ownership.

Under the 9MP, PBS has appealed to the Government to involve the people of Sabah, especially those from the minority group, in all programmes to enhance human capital, which needs to target those who are really behind for so long, he said.

"In this respect, PBS wants the leaders and government personnel who are directly involved in the implementation of the 9MP to discharge their duties efficiently, sincerely, transparently and effectively," he said.

At the same time, he said it was imperative for the State and Federal civil service to have a balanced representation from all the races in the country in order to obtain efficient human resources.

Pairin said the party also hopes more funds would be made available to Sabah from the Federal Government under the 9MP to further develop the three main focus sectors, namely agriculture, manufacturing and tourism under the State's halatuju.

Apart from economy, the 9MP must also consider the education and human capital development and that in line with the Prime Minister's request to enhance human capital PBS is calling for more community colleges to be set up in Sabah under the 9MP.

Such colleges should be able to offer short, medium and long-term courses to fulfil the needs of all, he said.

Pairin also reiterated the party's stand on women's participation in the political parties, government and private sector.

"Our stand has always been the same. In fact, PBS now encourages women to always improve their knowledge, skills, integrity and leadership quality for them to be more confident to come forward and offer their services to the country," he said.