PBS only correcting situation then
Sunday, 12 November 2006 (Source: Daily Express)

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin (pic) said he did not wish to delve into the past when his Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) formed the Government between 1986 and 1994.

"I don't want to go into the past. But everything is in the record. We cannot compare the past to the present," he said, when asked to comment on a claim that ethnic representation of key government posts was lopsided during the period.

He stressed that the then PBS Government was only trying to rectify what was perceived to be unfair in the representation of ethnic groups in government posts.

On Friday, Sabah Umno Treasurer, Datuk Ramlee Marahaban Ramlee, denied a claim by opposition Keadilan that the Kadazandusun-Murut community was being marginalised under the current Barisan Nasional (BN) State Government.

"By all means, they can check if they want as it is a matter of looking at and interpreting the statistics, and finding a way how best to tackle the state of affairs then.

"Of course, the Opposition can always very easily say anything. You know, just to provoke and maybe, sometimes twist facts," Pairin said.

On whether he agreed with Keadilan's claim, Pairin said: "I think you need to actually look at the situation as a whole in the proper perspective. Of course, the Opposition can always take a stand of looking at it in a certain way.

"Let's look at it and I think the Government will look at the situation.

Where there is a need to rectify, I am sure the Government will rectify."

However, Pairin said the State Barisan Nasional (BN) Government is always trying to do what is best in the task of administering the State under whatever circumstances.

"Different parties in the State BN Coalition have been asking for certain attention, and have given their views. Along the way, of course, we have also been given whatever posts that have been requested.

"On the other hand, we are very well aware that we cannot get anything or none can get anything 100 per cent. You need a balanced approach which is something to be looked at, to study and be aware of."

This, he said, would pave the way for what is perceived to be a fairer situation.

Having said that, Pairin believed that Keadilan's claim was a matter which need not escape the attention of the Government.

"With statements like these giving a kind of awareness and attention, I am sure the Government will not just ignore but will study the situation also."

He added that generally, political comments would need to be looked into to be fair to everybody. "I think if there is intention to purposely marginalise a particular community, then it would be questionable."