Reinstating rotation not PBS' view, says Pairin
Thursday, 29 September 2005 (Source: Daily Express)

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) denied Wednesday that they want the Chief Minister rotation system reinstated in Sabah.

It's President Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan clarified that the statement made by his deputy, Datuk AK Aliuddin, on the issue during his winding up speech at the party's 20th Congress in KDCA Hall was the latter's personal view.

"It was his own statement and does not reflect the party's stand on the rotation issue," he told a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport before leaving for Kuala Lumpur to attend the Parliament Budget sitting.

He said PBS had always been consistent in opposing the rotation system since its implementation in 1994 because it was against the Sabah Constitution.

"PBS was also involved in the discussions to abolish the system," he said. The rotation system where the three main communities held the CM's post under a power-sharing concept introduced by former PM Tun Dr Mahathir in 1994, was was abolished following last year's elections.

Pairin said the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had been functioning smoothly focussing on development programmes beneficial to the rakyat, especially in poverty eradication.

"(Yesterday) I could not hear clearly (Aliuddin's speech) so I did not react. But when I read the Daily Express this morning I was surprised. It was not the party's stand, even if there is anything we should discuss it first," he said.

Asked whether he had explained the matter to Musa who is also Sabah BN Chairman, Pairin who is a Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Rural Development Minister said he did.

"Yes I managed to see him after the Cabinet meeting and I have already explained to him and conveyed my apologies," he said, adding that Musa accepted and understood it.

Pairin assured that PBS was very clear with its views and there was nothing to be worried about.

"We expressed our continuing support to him and will continue carrying out our duty as entrusted," he said.

Aliuddin had stated hypothetically that if the Muslim Bumiputeras in PBS continue to be disregarded in terms of power sharing, perhaps the rotation system should be brought back so that all would get a chance.

Call to reprimand Aliuddin over rotation remark

UMNO Youth urged PBS President Pairin to reprimand his Deputy Aliuddin for his uncalled remark that the rotation should be reintroduced just because of his dissatisfaction over distribution of posts.

"It smacks of irresponsibility, arrogance and lack of understanding of the concept of BN," said Tuaran Umno Youth Head Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

He added it is important for Aliuddin to understand that being a member of BN is not just about positions but about political stability, development and racial harmony which could only be achieved if BN leaders, including Aliuddin, have restraint, composure, tactfulness and maturity when dealing with problems.

He reiterated that of all people, Aliuddin should understand that satisfying everyone is impossible. "It is true now and it was also true when PBS was heading the State administration before. Back then calls for more equitable distribution of posts were also heard from other marginalised parties and the problem never ends."

Rahman stressed that if the Government keeps creating positions as suggested by Aliuddin, that is a sure recipe for financial disaster, overlapping work and over-size government.

Secondly, members of political parties must realise they are not guaranteed any post just because their party is part of the Government.

He reminded Aliudin that when PBS rejoined BN on January 23, 2002, the PBS leadership declared that they did not set any conditions for rejoining the coalition.

He added that ex-PM Dr Mahathir, who was BN Chairman then, said that PBS should abide by the rules and regulations of the BN and should not feel that its re-entry must be reciprocated by certain gestures.

Rahman said Umno Youth is confident that in the spirit of BN goodwill, the Chief Minister will consider every request made by all component parties including Umno grassroots to ensure all parties are given due recognition that they deserve.